With Ashes and Bone, The Electric Mud returns in a big way, blending their signature Southern rock grit with stoner heaviness and a touch of prog complexity. Right from the start, the vibe is darker and more intense than their previous work, but they never lose that raw, energetic spirit.
Musically, they’ve dialed up the heaviness, but it’s not just brute force. You can hear their Southern rock roots anchoring the sound, with those groovy, bluesy riffs, but they’ve layered in these thick, sludgy moments that bring some real weight. What I really liked is how the guitars shift between straightforward, crushing riffs and more spaced-out, intricate solos that keep you on your toes. It’s the kind of album where you’re nodding along one minute and getting lost in a wall of sound the next.
The rhythm section is solid throughout, locking into deep grooves that let the guitars and vocals do their thing. And speaking of vocals, they’ve got that gritty, raw edge that fits the whole vibe of the album perfectly. It’s not about hitting every note perfectly – it’s about the feeling behind it, and that definitely comes through.
One of the things that really works here is how they balance that heavy, sludgy sound with moments of atmosphere. They let the songs breathe when they need to, but they also know when to punch you in the gut with a wall of sound. Just when a song feels like it might get too repetitive, they switch things up with a new riff or a tempo change, and it keeps the whole album feeling dynamic.
That said, there are a few moments where it feels like they lean a bit too much into the heavy side, and things can drag a little before they pick up again. Some of the stoner rock influences tend to stretch out certain sections, and you might find yourself waiting for that next shift to come. A little more melody in places could’ve added some variety, but honestly, it’s a minor thing in the big picture.
All in all, Ashes and Bone is a strong return for The Electric Mud. They’re taking some chances with their sound, and for the most part, it pays off. If you’re into Southern rock but like it with more edge and unpredictability, this album’s going to hit the spot. It’s heavy, gritty, and full of moments that’ll keep you coming back for more. Definitely worth diving into.
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Released by Small Stone Records on October 4, 2024
