Formed in 2009, Calgary’s Chron Goblin recently released their debut full-length album, One Million From the Top. Only in their second year as a band with previously only one EP under their belts, Chron Goblin have put out a strong album that shows them to be a very tight unit. While it’s easy to label these guys as stoner-rock, they incorporate elements of metal, punk, and thrash into their sound that gives it a fresh feel. They possess an energy that many stoner-rock outfits are completely lacking. Rather than just chugging along at a slow, fuzzy, methodical pace for an entire album, Chron Goblin often reach a punk rock intensity.
The music on One Million From the Top is a mix of titanic riffing and grooving rhythms with the right touch of melody. It consistently delivers an all around good time kind of feeling. It’s no secret that I love a funky bass line just as much as a rich, tasty guitar riff, and Chron Goblin are lacking in neither. The first track, “One Million From the Top,” kicks things off in a wave of Devin Purdy’s heavy riffs and Richard Hepp’s groovin’ bass. It’s the perfect introduction to the band if you’ve never heard them before. Josh Sandulek’s vocals range from a gritty croon to a passionate yell that has a tinge of imperfection that makes them all the more real and captivating. The drum barrage of Brett Whittingham always fits each moment of every song nicely whether he’s riding groves or driving the more aggressive parts.
“Come Undone” definitely stands out on the album. It begins with a dark rockin’ groove that reminds me of some 50′s rock n’ roll. The bouncy rhythm paves way for a much heavier chorus. Sandulak sounds great here as does the rest of the band. It brings together the many elements Chron Goblin is made of. “Make You Mine” shows off the band’s punk side. It has a catchy, driving beat with that ever present bass work standing out. My only real gripe is that a couple of the songs get repetitive fast. It’s no big deal though because they’re still far from unlistenable.
One Million From the Top is energetic and fun. That’s something many of Chron Goblin’s more lethargic peers just don’t convey in their music. It’s as simple as that. There’s plenty to like about it, and it can appeal to fans of different styles of rock and metal. I can only imagine how much fun their live shows must be. If you want to hear a unique and different brand of stoner rock check this album out.
Rating: 8/10
Loading ...