Newcastle-upon-tyne psych doom band Druidess are an exciting prospect and no mistake. Burning a trail back to Black Sabbath with a hint of Joan Jett their heady fusion of thick riffs and devilish melodies is a magical brew. Already making steady progress on the festival circuit the band have also shared stages with the likes of Castle Rat, Slomatics, Dopethrone and Margarita Witch Cult. For their debut album Trip Meadow, they’ve managed to create a glorious blast of atmospheric sounds and excellent tunes.
Opening track ‘The Hermit of Druid’s Temple’ falls distinctly in the realm of Black Sabbath and an infusion of The Doors, with James Hill’s playful organ adding an element of fun to proceedings. Sam Armstrong’s drums wallop with a mighty heft when they aren’t swinging with a wondrous glam stomp. ‘Trip Meadow’ starts off all jazzy with shimmering Daniel Downing’s guitars and mellow saxophone. This is all very unexpected, then the track sashays into a prog rock oasis. When the guitars crank up for a lovely fuzzy distortion, Shonagh Brown’s vocals soar and melodies and hooks are in abundance.
‘Knightingales’ boasts an absolutely superb chorus that really hits you in the feels. Sheer perfection, I swear it releases some serious endorphins in me when I listen to it. ‘Mandragora’ has a powerful driving tempo as waves of fuzzy guitars and choppy drums duel underneath Shonagh’s searing vocals. Sam’s drums thud like Giant’s feet stomping the earth in ‘Descended From Giants’. The combination of guitars and organ make for a trippy retro atmospheric.
‘A Witches Sabbath’ opts to engulf the listener with glorious thick waves of distortion and booming organ before settling into a pastoral section of clean guitars and saxophone. Finally ‘The Forest Witch’s Daughter’ has a boisterous atmospheric as Daniel’s blistering guitars fizz and Sam’s drums power the song with a crisp beat. Shonagh wails like a high priestess at a sacrificial ceremony.
Last year’s Cwfen and Castle Rat records rightfully received great critical acclaim for their fusion of heavy doom and superb melody. I particularly enjoyed the Vanishing Kids albums too, great songs wrapped up in wondrously heavy guitars. Druidess are another band to add to this list. This album is bursting with great songs and has an almost playful atmospheric amidst the doom. I look forward to hearing more from them as Trip Meadow is a mighty fine debut!
