Review: 1000mods ‘Cheat Death’
I must start with a confession. Up until earlier this year, I hadn’t really heard much of Greek stoner rock legends 1000mods, but as I was in the queue waiting to see them in Manchester earlier in the year, I was told of how big they were, especially in their home nation, and seeing them in a small venue was a rare treat. Within the first two minutes of listening to album opener Overthrown I’m right back at that exhilarating show and reminded of how brilliant they are.
Their composition and melodies are all laid bare on this, their fifth studio long-player, Cheat Death, comprising of ten new songs which demonstrate not only their creativity and punk attitude but how they are ready to once again take on the heavy rock and stoner scene. After the seven-plus epic minutes of Overthrown, the drum and bass intro of The One Who Keeps Me Down leads into one hell of a catchy riff and gives an example of that punk rock perspective, with vocalist and bassist Dani G leading the charge.
We then arrive at my favourite track of the album, Götzen Hammer, which features guest vocals from Apollonia of Greek punks Frenzee. It also has some real heaviness to it and is destined to be a crowd pleaser as the riff is fully loaded and zips along at a decent pace. Stoner rock inspired vibes are on displayed next with Astral Odor while Love has that delectable trippy, psychedelic atmosphere running throughout as the band gives us more evidence of their musical ability.
an album of great variety that takes you on a twisting and turning journey…
If you hear a rumble of thunder, don’t panic, it’s just the sound of Speedhead coming out of your speakers as it rips along at some pace, and then we get a more introspective and slower doom song in the guise of Misery. It’s different and the ending is another surprise, but it adds another string to the album’s overall bow and as the band says ‘we must destroy walls, limits and values to give it a reason’.
Their softer side comes out once again on the dreamy Bluebird which is an almost hypnotic instrumental number before we arrive at the album title track, Cheat Death, which gives us an insight into the rationale behind the whole album as to quote the band, ‘In life, only death matters, and in music and arts more specifically, you can only realize life through death and vice versa, but what if you cheat death?’
They finish with Grey, Green Blues another tranquil and relaxing song at just over ten minutes long and gives you that feeling you are floating high on a cloud somewhere over a sun kissed Greek island. Overall, it’s an album of great variety that takes you on a twisting and turning journey, so get ready to enjoy.
Label: Ouga Booga And The Mighty Oug Recordings | Ripple Music
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Matthew Williams
