Artist: Shrinebuilder
Album: Self-titled
Label: Neurot Recordings
Websites: www.myspace.com/shrinebuildergroup & www.neurotrecordings.com

On their debut EP, stoner rock supergroup Shrinebuilder show off their
chops as well as allow themselves a chance to jam a little outside of the
constraints of their respective day jobs.  The group, consisting of
Neurosis’ Scott Kelly (guitar & vocals), The Melvins’ Dale Crover (drums),
Al Cisneros of Sleep and Om fame (bass), and doom legend Scott “Wino”
Weinrich (guitar & vocals), mesh together as if this were their primary
musical outlet.  For those who don’t know what to expect from
Shrinebuilder all you need to do is look back at these artists’ previous
works in order to find those answers.

“Solar Benediction” starts off by sounding like Hidden Hand-era Wino with
gloomy vocals and slow burn riffs behind it.  The song goes along like
that for a bit before Kelly’s angry vocals join the mix and give it a much
needed kick in the ass to get going.  It ultimately returns to previous
form, plodding along as the chugging rhythm section and slow burn riffing
let you feel the burn while you light one up and get enveloped into the
music.  Gloomy and depressing at times, this one is solid but runs a
little too long for my tastes (8:44).

“Pyramid of the Moon” plods along at the beginning with slow burn
riffingand a rhythm section that is content to plod along as well.
Kelly’s gloomy vocals join in and make the song even more bleak
and depressing. It eventually goes off on its’ own trip, pummeling
you as it plods forward, aided by trippy vocals that make you feel
like you might be stoned (that is, if you aren’t already).
They get into a nice groove on this one and
hold onto it for a long time.  ”The Architect” slowly chugs along to
start, building up before Wino comes in with haunting vocals over the
band’s doom and gloom.  Kelly’s vocals kick in over searing riffs, giving
the song a bit of life, then one of them goes off with a soulful solo.
Just when you think the ride is over, Cisneros hits you with a bassline
that’s reminiscent of Black Sabbath that they ride out and off into the
sunset.

Overall this is a solid effort from a seasoned group of musicians.
Personally I’d like to see more songs and shorter songs but I can’t
complain too much.  If you like anything that falls under the stoner rock
umbrella then you’ll enjoy this record.  If you like to sit back and get
lost in a piece of music then this will suit you as well.

Rating: 7 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Solar Benediction,  The Architect

Track listing:
1. Solar Benediction
2. Pyramid of the Moon
3. Blind For All to See
4. The Architect
5. Science of Anger

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