ARTIST:
> Stumm / Taunt
ALBUM:
> untitled
GENRE:
> Sludge
PUBLISHER:
> Calculon Records
YEAR:
> 2007
FORMAT:
> 7"
TOTAL PLAYTIME:
> ?
Stumm
[01]2x6
Taunt
[01]I
AUTHOR:
> Warggoath
I have always found Stumm a bit un-inspired band. They sure make good use of sludge gliches, like feedback intros, but are lacking in originality. This is one of the better tracks of theirs I have heard. Songwriting is much more solid than on their debut album. Due to the fast-paced part in the song, there is also more variety than on their debut.
The production is one of the weak links to me. It is bassy but way too dense. It feels like the bass suffocates everything else underneath, which makes this pretty unenjoyable listening experience.
Taunt's side start with... feedback. That is done almost to death in sludge, but I still find it quite enjoyable. Especially when Taunt's intro is actually quite earpiercing. Because Taunt has no vocals, they need to have good songwriting skills, and they deliver. I feel like that this track wouls be worse if there were some vocals added to it.
The production is good, but the drums are a bit low in the mix and they could be more audible. Taunt's side isn't as bassy as Stumm's side which makes it more pleasant listening expirience.
Bottomline. While pretty enjoyable split, Stumm is still a run-in-the-mill sludge band to me. They haven't done anything too original yet. On the other hand, Taunt's sludge with no vocals is very interesting to listen. Wouldn't recommend this as your first sludge release but if you have already know your Eyehategod and Grief by heart, you might wanna check this out.