Gozu
Revival
Ripple Music
Release Date: 10 June 2016
Review by Quinton Farrow
When something new and valuable is formed, we tend to use the term creativity. Whereas the process of actually reaching that is being imaginative. Musicians can never really create something brand new. Notes, words and rhythm have been used millions of times over, but its their structure, form and messages that can create that point of difference.
Gozu’s third album, Revival, is a mixture of everything that makes heavy stoner rock attractive: slow bass laden lumbering passages, gritty rocking guitar moments, smokey southern vocals and a lively rhythm section. The eight songs that make up Revival would appeal to listeners that like heavy rock music with plenty of zest and energy, but in terms of creative song writing, it falls short of fresh and exciting.
Gozu do not try to hide their influences, and that’s commendable, because listeners will be unable to identify with them if they are trying to be something they are not. The influences are more prevalent when isolating the guitar sounds, the slower tones are sonically reminiscent of Soundgarden’s, Badmotorfinger, whereas some of the subtler sections are similar to Black Sabbath at their most sinister. By Mennen, has a main structure that is nearly identical to Silverchair’s, Israel Son. Perhaps Gozu had never heard of this song, but that’s where your producer needs to step in and provide some guidance.
The highlight on Revival comes from an extended solo/outro on Oldie, this is a passage that’s catchy, exciting and rather creepy. More of this sort of song writing is needed from Gozu in the future. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats succeed in their genre by not necessarily expanding their minimalist sound, but by creating exciting songs and albums through inventive concept inclusions and a no nonsense aesthetic. Gozu can use their model, learn from their influences and use their obvious talents to advantage, because the base is there and they have an energy that can really take them places.
Gozu have written a good album, that will appeal to people that can’t get enough of stoner rock/metal, but it doesn’t offer anything new, and if you like what you hear from this, then its probably going to lead you to its influences better releases anyway.
3/5
