Album Review: The Brothers Keg – Folklore, Myths and Legends of The Brothers Keg (APF Records)

London-based psychedelic stoner doom trio The Brothers Keg will release their debut album, entitled Folklore, Myths and Legends of The Brothers Keg, via APF Records on September 11th 2020.

Made up of the rhythm section of psych / stoner scene mainstays STUBB – with Tom Fyfe on drums and Tom Hobson switching out his bass for guitar / vocal duties – as well as Paul Rosser, who completes the trio on bass / vocals, The Brothers Keg have been kicking up an avalanche of the finest elements of stoner-doom as well as grunged-out psychedelia since their formation in London in 2018.

Tom Hobson says of the album:

We imagined the record as akin to a fantasy film soundtrack, with cinematic voiceovers and a nod to sci-fi classics. Expect heavy riffing psyched-out sci-fi doomageddon. HP Lovecraft meets Queen’s Flash Gordon listening to Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds at the wrong speed smoking a medieval spliff dipped in poppers.

Expect heavy riffing and warped psychedelic sounds and get heavy riffing and warped psychedelic sounds. The Brothers Keg announce themselves with a debut that proves to be as fascinating as it is intense.

Going for broke immediately and showing no lack of ambition, Moorsmen is a hefty opener with a ton of doomy groove. The fathomless depths they plumb with the distorted guitars and the way in which they seamlessly move from section to section makes for a hugely impressive start.

A short voiceover and bit of atmosphere in From the Records of Arthur Shnee leads into the crushing doominess and ethereal feel of No Earthly Form. Before The Ice Melteth’s echoing spoken word and ringing psychedelia leaves an impression and Introducing the Brothers Keg makes sure you know that the focus is still on crushing heaviness.

All of this pales though when it comes to the near 13-minute effort that is Brahman. An absolute beast. An absolute epic. This is startling stuff as the Londoner’s take us on a journey filled with all manner of emotions. From the doomiest of doom to the atmospheric voiceovers to the haunting vocals and epic peaks and valleys. It’s an amazing showcase of the talents of this band.

How do you follow that? With something shorter obviously and something more in your face. Castle Keg very much a no-frills doomy offering before the excellent debut of The Brothers Keg closes out with a short Epilogue.

The Brothers Keg – Folklore, Myths and Legends of The Brothers Keg Full Track Listing:

1. Moorsmen
2. From the Records of Arthur Shnee
3. No Earthly Form
4. The Ice Melteth
5. Introducing The Brothers Keg
6. Brahman
7. The Army of the Thirsty Blade Approaches
8. Castle Keg
9. Epilogue

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | APF Records