Over the course of three albums and one EP, Seattle’s Sandrider have proven themselves true masters of heavy rock. Their sound is a righteous combination of grungy tones, propulsive bass, and slamming drums all played at maximum volume for maximum impact and maximum fun. (Does anybody remember that foreign concept?)
Armada, which follows five years after the equally excellent Godhead, and three after a split EP with Kinksi, further refines their sound without losing an ounce of its power. If anything, the songs are catchier this time around. They’ve always had a knack for writing killer riffs, but even better, these are merged with killer songs. What more could you want?
In addition, the album has been perfectly recorded by esteemed loud rock producer Matt Bayles, so you’ll be able to hear every bludgeoning riff, bass rumble, and drum bash in perfect clarity.
There’s not much more to say except that this is one of the best heavy rock releases you will hear all year. Once again, they have stepped up and delivered another corker of an album. After all, what would expect from a band that claims to be “Louder Than Louder Than Love“, according to one of their t-shirts? (That’s a Soundgarden reference, for those out of the loop.)
So get hip to this band, because then you would be missing out, and we can’t have that. Neither can you.
