Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
Manchester’s groove laden generators Barbarian Hermit with a sweet dose of cathartic creativity for latest release Mean Sugar
Written over a three-year period and back at helm with original vocalist Simon Scarlett the album opens with a real purpose of intent with title track Mean Sugar which just reeks of Rollins Band, see told you it has some real grit to it!
This is followed by Battle of Kompromat which contains some nicely interwoven soundscapes that effortlessly gel with each other into the short instrumental piece Out Come the Boats which serves as a great introduction to the dominant basslines of Who Put 50p In You? Again, the mid 90’s nostalgic nod is a nice touch.
The combination of Stitched Up and Deadbolt compliment each other wonderfully with the latter being somewhat of a hidden gem as it has a subtle Paradise Lost vein running through it that would not have been out of place on Icon.
Incorporating some new dynamic elements is Kick Up the Dust which represents the perfect snapshot of the album a whole, before Stranger Than Fiction picks up the penultimate mantle with sense of atmosphere before the album concludes with the seven and half minute torrent of technicality Heal the Tyrant which has a real sense of the journey the band have been on in recent years.
Mean Sugar is a pure amalgamation of mastery and riffs.
Vocalist Simon Comments
“My hope is that when people hear this album, they’ll hear the energy of five, working northern men, in a way they’ve never heard before. We wanted to write something that was earnest and sincere to all our diverse musical tastes, but also side-steps what our peers in doom, stoner and sludge acts are doing so well. We didn’t want any obvious comparison that could be made with other bands.”
Barbarian Hermit will host their album launch show at Manchester’s, Rebellion on 3rd August with support from Under, Bodach and Shred Dibnah.
Mean Sugar Track listing.
1. Mean Sugar
2. Battle of Kompromat
3. Out Come the Boats
4. Who Put 50p In You?
5. Stitched Up
6. Deadbolt
7. Kick Up the Dust
8. Stranger Than Fiction
9. Heal the Tyrant
Line-up:
Mike Regan – guitars
Adam Robertshaw -guitars
Rob Sutcliffe – bass
Gareth Manning – drums
Simon Scarlett -vocals
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7/10
