EP Review: Wall – Vol. 2 (APF Records)

Stoner/doom band Wall are back with their sophomore EP ‘Vol. 2’, due to be released via APF Records on the 30th July 2021.

Elliot and Ryan Cole have been stalwarts of the international stoner doom scene since they formed Desert Storm almost 15 years ago in their home town of Oxford, releasing five albums with that band and touring Europe like dogs ever since. They are two parts of the quintet which is The Grand Mal, also signed to APF Records, whose self-titled debut was released in 2019.

Their latest project Wall was conceived during lockdown. Frustrated at not being able to tour, and stuck at home together, Elliot and Ryan found themselves seeking a substantially creative way to kill the boredom. The debut eponymous five track EP was released by APF Records on 15th January 2021, chock full of Iommi-worshipping instrumental sludge doom. The homage to Black Sabbath was manifest in an electrifying cover of Electric Funeral, featuring vocals by The Grand Mal’s Dave-O.

Now, a mere six months later, Wall unleash Vol 2. It features a cover of Karma To Burn’s Nineteen, released as a tribute to Elliot and Ryan’s friend Will Mecum who sadly passed away in May.

About Nineteen, the Cole Brothers say:

We recorded it a few months ago in lockdown as a way of saying thanks, and showing our appreciation for one of our favourite bands – true pioneers of the genre and an inspiration to many. It feels right to share it now with the sad news of his passing. It’s been an honour knowing you, Will. Rest in peace.

After an absolutely killer debut EP back in in January (read our review here), it’s great to have more Wall to enjoy. The duo kicking off with a ton of heavy metal energy as the instrumental noise of Avalanche roars loudly. The tempo shift, doomier and into more melodic territory, shows that Wall are still as imaginative as ever.

With a step up in the groove department, The Tusk is an animated and catchy number with thick guitar riffs. Followed by the exciting tempo of Speed Freak, a straight-up heavy metal head-banger before the excellent Karma to Burn get the cover treatment with Nineteen.

A fitting tribute to the legendary band, Wall don’t mess around with it too much but do a damn fine version of it. It fits perfectly on this EP, which is class from the very start to the very end. Where the dusty outro of Falling from the Edge of Nowhere sits.

Wall – Vol. 2 Full Track Listing:

1. Avalanche
2. The Tusk
3. Speed Freak
4. Nineteen (Karma to Burn Cover)
5. Falling from the Edge of Nowhere

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | APF Records