The Uncarved Block

"Negative Earth" Album Review

 

Released: 02/05/21 - Review Date: 25/07/21

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Strap in, start your engine, select gear and sound your horn........move over "King Of The Road" Fu Manchu......... this is "Negative Earth," the debut release from Sheffield's Korsunnuz. From the very first bar you'll instinctively feel the energy of this essential road-trip album, that begs to be played loud from the speakers of your motor!

 

"Half life" sets us up in the fast lane with up-tempo drumming and a bass guitar growl that will hit you in the gut, like the powerful engine that drives this record. The distorted guitars almost whistle through your bones, cutting through the low end, like tyres screeching on hot tarmac. Yes, it is going to be one of those journeys! We have already reached cruising speed by the time the vocals come in, like hot engine oil greasing the valves. The song is interspersed with frenetic drum breaks and a hard-hitting chorus that keeps it riding along.

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It is followed by the equally punchy "Barracuda" which is unashamedly car orientated. The theme continues in this beast of a track, with soaring guitar solos and catchy riffs straight from the depths of American rock anthems.

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"Sun Over Sierra Madre" adds a more raunchy and funky tempo as our journey hits the middle of the day, with the top down and the wind through our hair offering blessed relief form the burning sun! There's even a well sculpted Spanish guitar solo slipped in beautifully, half-way through, as we cross the border into a new realm.

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Next up is "Show Myself Out" which has a heavier feel to it, as we explore this new part of the journey. The chorus is swirling and anthemic whilst the guitar riffs have an almost heavy metal tone to them. The drumming breaks up the song, then brings it all together with smooth style, whilst that grumbling bass groan keeps the engine racing.

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"Cruise Control" holds a more mellow flavour, as we park up in the desert and watch the sun go down in a blaze of colour. As the dusk sets in we once more take to the road for the journey home, yes - you guessed it, in cruise control. Smooth soloing and another big chorus makes this a cool track to start winding down the album, but don't get too comfortable behind the wheel......

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"The Road Warrior" touches the edges of classic heavy metal and the great use of the double bass-drum pedal gives the impression of more speed. The sense of urgency in the race to return home is evident in this track as we put our proverbial foot to the floor. More super soloing and high sustain notes pierce through the drum and bass engine onslaught that ends this album on a high!

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This is a perfect album to keep in the car, for road-trips of all lengths; just be careful you don't find yourself going too fast (this magazine does not condone breaking the speed limit.......!)

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Andy

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