Tuskar
Hometown: Milton Keynes, U.K.
Album: Matriarch, out February 25 via Church Road Records
The U.K. metal scene strikes again, though this new find feels a bit distinct from the rest. So much of those British titans (Architects, Conjurer, Employed To Serve, Venom Prison) are all about maximalism, and for good measure—each of those bands can rightly argue to crafting some of the best riffs of the past decade. Tuskar instead understand how to blend minimalism and go-for-the-throat fury and the power and potential of dynamics. The duo craft a brand of doom that would feel as at home in the American swamps (Mastodon, Red Fang) as in Sweden (Monolord), though there’s a playfulness and progressive mindset that feels uniquely British.
Guitarist Tom Dimmock shares how the band’s writing style works:
“Whenever we write it is always simply chasing that feeling of excitement that you get when something appears out of nowhere and takes you by surprise. It might start with a rhythmic idea or melodic concept, but if it doesn’t spark that feeling inside, then we just move on. We also write a lot by just improvising ideas live, and I think this is where that sense of joy and excitement comes from. I find if you write too much in the ‘box’ or on your own, the ideas can get repetitive or stale. Having two musicians that know each other’s styles and musical voices means we can change ideas on the fly creating something we didn’t see coming ourselves.”
Tyler Hodges, vocalist and drummer, adds:
“I think it is the sense of brotherhood; myself and Tom get electrified by one another. We just gel, and I feel we are on the same wavelength; whether it is writing or in the studio, things just seem to flow nicely. Our music tastes are very similar, and we get excited by the same things, something that I think is very important to us as a band. I’ve played with some incredible musicians, but nothing ever quite feels the same as when we are on a vibe. Performance is everything for us. If one person walks out of a room disappointed, I feel I haven’t done my job correctly.”
Watch the video for “Grave” here:
For more from Tuskar, find them on Facebook, Bandcamp, and Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Tuskar
