Once again the musical colossus from the North West of England rears it’s head as it wakes from its lockdown induced slumber and sheds its skin to reveal something new underneath. From angular sludge in the vein of The Melvins to full on bone rattling Doom grooves Pike, Roeder and Cisneros would be proud of to avant-garde like walls of psychedelic power, Boss Keloid are a band who constantly refine and evolve their sound. Having followed their musical journey from their debut; “Angular Beef Lesson” and conversed with the band members at various gigs over the years, the anticipation for their latest release; “Family the Smiling Thrush” has been high and whilst this might be coming out some time after the release, I assure you my words will explain why.

Initially, this record is sonically similar to the previous release, the phenomenal “Melted On The Inch”. The shift from the colossal doom groove to a more progressive/avant-garde/Psychedelic tinged doom opened up newer avenues for the band. The addition of organ and keyboards to augment the intricate arrangements and a return to a predominantly 2 guitar assault gave more weight and power to the riffs but still left enough room for the hypnotic rhythm section and the gigantic vocals to do their thing. This approach remains on ‘Family’, but it is a lot more expansive and experimental. The angular sounds and approaches of early Keloid surface again but with a brighter sound and feel. It remains a massive sound which has intensity, but it also has a more uplifting and bright feel, something which is reflected both musically and lyrically.

From the exotic opening “Orang of Noyn” which serves as a gentle introduction (By Keloid standards) to the psychedelic madness, things simply take on a life of their own. “Gentle Clovis” is a track many should be familiar with as part of the press releases and promotion of the record so little more needs to be said, it is mind bending doom riffs and proggy expressiveness in its purest form, going from hypnotic layers and melodies to straight up in your face rhythmic infectiousness. It’s like stepping back to the late 60s and early 70s armed with doom laden monstrous ideas! “Hats the Mandrill” expands on this even more, hypnotising you with its rhythmic intricacies whilst the massive vocal yells pound away at you, causing you to lose yourself in the music and it’s possibly the best track of the album for me!

Pseudo-titular track “Smiling Thrush” is a slightly more eccentric take on the crushing doom approach Keloid taken on ‘Herb your Enthusiasm’ but instead of the darker sound, it seems to be a little bit brighter in places, showing heaviness with an empowering feel. “Cecil Succulent”, “Grendle” and “Flatt Controller” continue this trend, merging progressive ideas with increasing levels of loudness and intensity, creating a powerful finish to such a diverse release.

What we have with “Family The Smiling Thrush” is a release which manages to condense the back catalogue of Boss Keloid’s musical approaches and influences and throws them out there for all to experience, but with added evolution. Imagine Frank Zappa, King Crimson and Al Cisneros all combining their compositional skills and nuances and then mixing it up with some big doomy grooves. Diversity across all tracks but loaded with a sense of familiarity… This might be the definitive Boss Keloid experience!

(9.5/10 Fraggle)

https://www.facebook.com/bosskeloidband

https://bosskeloid.bandcamp.com/album/family-the-smiling-thrush