Witch

Bringing together the stylistic efforts of Feathers' Kyle Thomas and Asa Irons with the rock genius that is J Mascis, Witch brews a searing, heavy throwback salute to the pioneers of metal. Classic heavy rock progressions and acerbic guitar solos, with a seamless functionality as an album that is so alive and raucous it just might jump off the turntable and bite you.

Witch is heavy enough to make you feel as though you've been tried, found guilty, and weighted 'til the towne lake's bed becomes your own, but at times finds itself rising like a silken wisp of smoke from a freshly-hit bong, rousing the attention of the listener. With climbing guitars and kick-start kit-work, Witch is arresting, simply put; regardless of pedigree, the output on their debut stands firm as modern stoner/doom metal that never plods or reaches excess. If 2005 testified the resurgence of the 80s new wave and dance movements, 2006 just might signal the second-coming of the spooked-out spirit of the 70s: dark, brooding psych-rock. Witch's arrival, driving and impressive as it is, places the band in strong contention to claim any mantle fans of all things cloaked or smoked might award.