Album Review: Morass Of Molasses – The Ties That Bind (Wasted State Records)

Swamp master generals’ Morass of Molasses are back with their brand new album, The Ties That Bind. The 9-track album is out now via Wasted State Records.

Swamp master generals of the Reading scene; they are creating the kind of lumbering heavy blues riffs which induce involuntary head nodding and a deep stirring of the loins. Effortlessly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their short life so far has also seen them sharing stages with such luminaries of the scene as Crowbar, Orange Goblin, Ohhms, Vodun, Elephant Tree, Desert Storm, Space Witch, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard and many more.

Their first gutsy Jagermiester stage performance at Bloodstock Festival helped propel them into a relentless schedule of touring. During which they released the self-funded debut EP ‘So Flows Our Fate’. Which garnered a tidal wave of critical acclaim and brought them into contact with Hevisike Records. The very Label which released their debut Album ‘These Paths We Tread’. Closely followed by another momentous performance to a packed Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock Festival and more recently at Desertfest in London and HRH Doom vs Stoner at O2 Sheffield.

It has been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a Morass of Molasses album. We absolutely loved their 2017 release, These Paths We Tread (read that review here) and have caught them live several times now. They always kick ass.

So it is with much excitement that we have new music from the swamp-stoner-riffic band. Following a moody intro (The Darkening) the album kicks off proper with a future Molasses’ classic, Woe Betide. The opening riff sets up what is a wickedly exciting, groovy and damp sounding track.

The head-banging doesn’t stop there as Death of All compels the soul to move. The vocals being sung with force before drifting into mellow territory and back again. It’s a track that lifts and dips but led by another stellar showcase of the guitars.

These two tracks are up there with the best stuff the band has produced so far.

Smartly, it’s chill out time with a more bluesy number next. A slow trudge that captures the feel of a near abandoned dusty town with only the bar showing any signs of life. A sign flickers in the window and the guitar strains of Estranger can be heard.

Legends of the Five Sons is then even more mellow. Soft guitar plucking, pan pipes, a flute…this is a bedtime story of a track. Surprisingly it is then followed by another soft and quiet number. Although As Leaves Fall is more of an intermission then anything else.

Missing the heavier, rockier sound? Fear not as Persona Non Grata brings it back in a screech of feedback. Before erupting in a whirlwind of riffs, bass and drums. One of the heaviest moments of the album for sure. Being the longest track on the album, it has to do plenty to keep the interest up and does so by shifting constantly while still maintaining the overlaid groove.

Coming to the end now, In Our Sacred Skin pushes the boat out even further with a blistering guitar effort, deep chunky and chuggy riffs and a fair amount of melody too.

After such a titanic effort, it’s only right that The Deepest Roots closes the album out with soft singing, mellow strumming and a near silent finale that reflects the intro. Bookending the album perfectly.

Better then These Paths We Tread? It’s as good as and at times does surpass it. The perfect mix of melodic numbers alongside Morass of Molasses’ trademark swamp rock sound. Brilliant.

Morass of Molasses – The Ties That Bind Full Track Listing:

1. The Darkening
2. Woe Betide
3. Death of All
4. Estranger
5. Legend of the Five Sons
6. As Leaves Fall
7. Persona Non Grata
8. In Our Sacred Skin
9. The Deepest Roots

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