One of the key features of HEADS.’s self-titled debut is the touting of noise-rock/sludge act Young Widows as a main influence – an incredibly detectable feature in the structure and delivery of the music. Despite doing many things right on this record, inspirations included, making a six track album with stylistic similarities to Young Widows is a gamble that didn’t pay off for HEADS.
Outside of boasting the mastering techniques of Magnus Lindberg of revered sludge metal act, Cult of Luna, the most consistently impressive part is the strong, sludgy bass tone, driving the music as it dominates on a track by track basis (featuring some flashy and unexpected descending riff work). Unfortunately, the guitar is rarely exciting, taking a detectable influence from Lindberg’s Cult of Luna, but there are occasional blowout moments where the guitar is either dark and haunting or the key part of a cacophonic harmony.
Trying to draw out a narrative on a song by song basis and seldom coming close to anything other than dull, the lyrics on the album damage it; the attempts to sound brooding and tortured seldom succeed. Although there are plenty of unexpected hooks and a heavy sludgy feel to the music that incites all sorts of head-banging. At the end of the day it’s hard to shake off the idea that HEADS.’s debut isn’t just a watered down copy of Young Widow’s amazing 2014 release, Easy Pain – which if given the option should be thrown on instead.
BY THOMAS BRAND
