Short Reviews [Bang OK Bang - 2012 - "Chemicals"]

The US duo BANG OK BANG was formed in the spring of 2012, and is a live and recording entity consisting of drummer Abby Hairston and guitarist/vocalist Ben Lowry. “Chemicals” is their first production, a four track EP, self released in the early summer of 2012. While a guitars and drums based duo does give many a more or less automatic association towards bands like The White Stripes, the heroes of this occasion Bang OK Bang documents that this setup can be utilized to create music of a rather different variety too. Garage rock, alternative rock and blues are given characteristics to be thrown their way, and that there's a lo-fi sound and attitude shouldn't be much of a surprise either. But it's their choice to hone in towards doom metal and grunge that will be the surprise dimension to this disc I suspect. Fairly primitive and gritty in expression, their songs and ideas aren't quite fully developed yet at this stage in their career as I experience it. But at best they create compelling and likeable atmospheres, as when they slow down to a sludgy crawl in the mid section of final piece Chemicals. An interesting band for those who like their metal slow, dark and basic.

OMB=Olav M Bjornsen: September 20, 2012