GUT
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
On "Shrubbery," Gut combines the fast pace of thrash with the harsh vocals of hardcore and throws in some stoner riffs to boot. The combination creates a sound that's really none of the above-listed genres individually, but probably comes closest to thrash when all's said and done.
As said above, the vocals are harsh, sometimes perhaps too much so. Although most of the time vocalist Brian Morse stays close to a hardcore yell, sometimes he falls into a full death metal growl that doesn't quite fit the music. The chunky riffs are supplemented by ripping solos (although there could probably be more of them).
The production here is a little rough, especially in the vocals department, but certainly acceptable enough.
Gut may not win any major awards with "Shrubbery," but the CD is certainly entertaining enough for those who like their music raw and energetic.
Gut: Brian Morse - vocals; Geoff Morse - guitars; Jeremy Youngberg - guitars; Mark Pryor - bass; Mike Adams - drums.
Reviewed by Jason Savage
Gut was formed during the fall of 1999 in and around Boston, MA. After
losing two original members to other interests, which caused a brief breakup in the spring of
2000, they solidified their lineup that summer with vocalist Brian Morse, lead guitarist Jeremy Youngberg, rhythm guitarist
Geoff Morse, bassist Mark Pryor and drummer Bryan O'Neil. Their self-proclaimed influences run the gamut from
blues to metal and classical to hardcore. Sounds pretty interesting so far ...
"Better Dead" starts off the demo with a movie sample from the film version of Stephen King's
"Pet Semetary," delivered by Herman Munster himself, Fred Gwynn. It's hard for
me to describe what I am hearing here musically. The guitars are pretty straight forward with
Sabbath-esque riffs. The vocals sound like Henry Rollins doing death metal, but are legible if that seems possible. Overall,
it sounds like a bunch of stoners jamming in a garage. I will say it is infectious and definitely different.
"Blues Jam" takes the listener in a totally different direction. It has a bluesy feel, mixed in with a 70's
style groove. The vocals remind me of Cheech Marin off "Earache my Eye" meets
Mr. Rollins again. These cool guitar riffs are sporadically injected with crunching metal chords that create a
very interesting effect. They flow together so well, it doesn't crumble the integrity of the song one bit. It's
actually very catchy and happy sounding, like some 70's porn movie.
"Trapped Entwined" continues in the same direction but is a little heavier and reminiscent of
hardcore. Gut offers up several influences and it seems as if they are adamant about including all of
them in each song.
"Servitude" visits classic Tony Iommi riffs, providing a doom laden backdrop
for Brian Morse's unique style. Closing the book on this innovative demo is "Promise Keeper." Yet another trip down
"stoner lane." I am ready to pull out the bong and surround myself with lava lamps and colored
lights. Just as I sink into my bean bag chair, the song rages into a sonic deathmarch
scaring me into a coughing fit!
The final word is this: Gut provides a fresh new perspective melding several influences that cannot
be crammed into one genre. Blending hardcore, thrash, and 70's groove, I find myself on the magic
carpet ride from hell. These guys are definitely worth checking out and are an excellent change of
pace.
Metal for the masses! (and stoners).
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Nov 2024 12:24:00 -0500
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