Ancients of Earth - Valley of the Suns

Ancients Of Earth

Valley of the Suns
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Three guys from New York and a lot of fuzz - that’s Ancients of Earth in more words or less. The fog of sound and delay sets a brooding vibe for their first full-length album Valley of the Suns. This is art meant to be actively experienced, although it doubles nicely as background music considering the mild dynamics and constant drone throughout. Don’t expect too many catchy choruses or sound bite riffs because Ancients of Earth is about the whole picture. Instead of peaks and valleys it’s like one gradual hill that leads to wherever your mind takes you. Ancients of Earth merges sludge rock and classic rock and often sound like misfits from the 70's

Personally, my mind took to me to a place that felt very static. The album was over and I felt amused, but the album was too low in the mix and dry of energy for my ears to really attach at times . Don’t get me wrong, as I’ve said, the album has its place with listeners and fits nice and snug next to Sabbath and contemporaries like Ty Segall Band. For the niche market, it nails the gig. I just typically look for a little more gusto and standard sensibility. 

“Dreams in Moss” has a sludge rock vibe not unlike the Deftones. The melodies drip like molasses and the chasms are shallow, but wide. “Sear of Sage” makes me want to jump back into the ‘90s grunge age and break them off a piece. The guitar wah is a nice touch for such a distortion-oriented genre. It has just a hint of Stevie Ray Vaughn, which I definitely enjoyed.

The quick cuts are juicy little numbers that don’t match and don’t care. “Cosmic Transmission” is basically just an exercise in ambient noise. There is very little if any mono or polyphonic assembly. “Cloud Eater” is a sedated riot that verges on the side of punk but never goes full on. Misfits of the conventional, Ancients of Earth will make you question what you knew about rock n’ roll. 

Become A Fan