Stoner psychedelic doom with ethereal vocals. Magical. 10/10
The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk were in full throttle as we entered the live music venue, within the incredibly hospitable Le Pub. The depth and quality of music from this trio was quite something to behold. Heavy with 70’s psychedelic jam band vibes. Whether the moniker is derived from the epic Welsh metal trio Budgie’s similarly named track from 1973, I don’t know. But if you’re a fan of Budgie, I think you will love these guys. Truly jaw dropping and definitely ones to check out if you get the chance and not just because of the name!
Onto the main event, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard: 2017 Welsh Music Prize nominees and claimants that ‘All band names are stupid’ (pinned tweet @WizardBastard). Earlier this year they were personally invited by Robert Smith of the Cure to play the Meltdown Festival he curated. Described as ‘3 ape descendants and an astral seraphim combining their powers to generate colossal interstellar arias of plutonium weight. We are the ideal soundtrack to your next intergalactic voyage or black hole exploration. Druid Doom Riff Technologies v1.6.’ They define their genre as MTV DOOM. This band is not only innovative and intelligent, they are humorous too.
Exquisitely crafted melodies, with soaring vocals and spacey psych synths, Jess is truly out of this world. Almost Grace Slick like in poise and delicacy and then in come the heavies. The rhythm section of Stu on bass with Carrat on drums are primal, totally locked in and hypnotic while the dual riff work of Dave and Wez try to lead you further down sludgy, disorienting paths. This is chakra shaking stuff, you can feel the music vibrate in your head, chest and gut. Similar to when the T-Rex first appears in Jurassic Park but this is heavier, hairier and more psychedelic in its wizardry. This is doom, but not as you know it.
Opening with The Majestic Clockwork which I believe is currently unreleased, the impressively atmospheric Wizards set the stage alight. Initially the synths and vocals were a little overwhelmed by the crushing power of the band however the engineer quickly resolved the balance of psychedelic groove and pounding rhythm. This was an evening of predominantly new material and what a treat that was, to witness such creativity and talent. The crowds heads undulate as one as if in acknowledgement of the invocations of a high priestess bestowing blessings accompanied by the hooks, chugs and the heavy riffage sorcery of the underworld. The presence of MWWB is commanding of a stage far larger.
If this is not their best performance, I cannot begin to imagine what that could be like.
I haven’t been this excited to hear new music since ‘Relaxing with the Heads’ in 1996! There are for me rhythmical and groovy 90’s does 60’s basement vibes revisited but heavier with added ancient language and acid/ space rock! This could be the soundtrack to my life. MWWB literally tick all of my boxes, they may well do the same for you!
This is beyond a doubt the best Welsh language music since Sosej bins a chips by Rocyn, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and SFA combined! This is intergalactic music, for those who dare. 10/10
Set List
The Majestic Clockwork
Yn Ôl Y Annwn
Spaceships of Ezekiel
The Master and His Emissary
5 days in the Abyss
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