Power Assassin’s sound deals in “monster riffs, slap-fantastical bass, massive percussion and super solos. If you like guitar, drums and bass, bring a neck brace just in case.” If you’re already sold, then I’m sure you’ll get hooked on Against the Galaxy, the Chicago trio’s first full length album from their most recent of many travels. The band grew up in Gary, West Virginia and played in many different bands before taking some time off at the turn of the 21st century. They reformed again in the fall of 2017 and split their time recording Against the Galaxy between Chicago and Gary, WV. Members include Matt Browning on guitar and vocals, Mike Browning on drums and Chuck Waldron on bass. Themes on the album cover topics such as, love, struggle and outer space, which makes for a curious combination – hope you enjoy.
The opener “After the Lane Song” features a clever sounding guitar riff that borders on a middle eastern mystical sound. My first impressions of Against the Galaxy’s sound and style was that they mixed styles both old and new. I would compare their mix of rock grooves to the likes of Cream, Led Zeppelin, Live, and that southern flavored ‘70s band that made “Black Betty” a cult movie classic – oh yeah, Ram Jam. “While You Wait” has more of that old school sound with some tasty guitar solos. “Mrs. Dubedat” funks things up with an upbeat rhythm that’s highly infectious, not to mention danceable. And again, a killer guitar riff, that I can only describe as – if ‘70s KISS played funk rock music it may sound like this. You’ll know what I mean when you hear Browning’s guitar – that’s if you’re a ‘70s KISS fan. “In the Arena” has more of the alt-rock, grunge sound, but without the band sounding like they’re ripping someone off. This band clearly has their own thing going. I really like the beat to “Northfolk Southern” as well as the lyrics and how they convey images of the south, river snakes, trains and Muscle Shoals. Good stuff. “Mystery Kid” twists things up by showcasing the band’s punk rock style and some sweet drums fills by Mike Browning. Oh yeah, and his use of the ride cymbal was music to my ears – it seems not enough drummers take advantage of it these days. “Brother Bull” was like, holy crap! – where’d this come from? As soon as the explosive energy died down, the band switches gears into this sort of ska-reggae-jazz interlude, then back into this crazy progressive, metal, slap-funk rock juggernaut from another planet. Don’t overlook this one my friends! The band keeps things alive and kicking with “Someone Else” by starting things off with a short tense beginning and then slips into this mystical mix of progressive jazz, funk and shoe gaze-y psych rock, (for lack of categorizing this tune in any one genre). It’s definitely unique and original in my book. “Just Hit Me” begins with a catchy guitar hook and reveals another sweet guitar solo but also, what sounds like a unique technique to Waldron’s bass – as if he made it sound like one of those massive organs that has a warm tone to it. “Dead Phones” is perhaps the band’s funkiest and most hard rocking – reminding me of the early sounds of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This one would definitely be a mosh pit pleaser – do they still have those at festivals? “Savage Comeback” offers a tale that tells a story of a person coming back home for a reckoning of sorts, and it sounds like they’re not going to take any prisoners. The song’s style here is part progressive, part punk and all pure energy. Lastly, not only is “Bombs in Outer Space” one of the coolest song titles I’ve heard in a while, the band’s style on this one is also cool and quite groovy. Plenty of deep bass here and edgier guitar riffs during the solo, all centered on a jazz-esque, funked up groove that by now, should be impressed upon your mind. All things considered, Power Assassin truly has something special going on. From their guitar solos, tightly twisted rhythms and change-ups in between, to their short song format that packs a punch into an average of three minutes, this trio offers something for everyone.
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