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Jack & The Bearded Fishermen

Hunting Isn't Easy...When Dogs Become Wolves

Written by: PP on 27/08/2010 15:29:33

For the last few weeks I've been attempting to wrap my head around Jack & The Bearded Fishermen and their debut 12 inch, the peculiarly titled "Hunting Isn't Easy...When Dogs Become Wolves" It's not an easy-listening album, as it seamlessly combines elements from a wide variety of influences, ranging from stoner rock in the vein of Kyuss through industrial metal similar to Ministry and perhaps even early Nine Inch Nails to noise rock/shoegaze acts that I can't even begin to name in this review.

Most songs have progressive undertones given their extensive, beyond five minute length, culminating in an 11 minute mammoth to close off the disc. There are lengthy instrumental-only sections where the band takes everything they can out of fuzzy distortion and noisy soundscapes to create a unique sound, one where they are part stoner, part noise, and part industrial, all at the same time. But the problem is that while the band are so, so close to that very description, it often feels like they're missing something vital to elevate them above the other contemporary noise/stoner acts dwelling around the scene. Jack & co are at their best when they utilize droning groove, because the distortion gives the guitars a cool, grating tone, but every now and then there's an attempt at stretching the envelope into funk, even jazz at times, which doesn't really suit the overall sound of the record. Check out the songs from the player below, and make your own decision. My verdict: average-ish, but not bad.

Download: Well Done Black Wolves
For the fans of: Kyuss, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Filter
Listen: Myspace

Release date 2009
Self-Released