Review: The Electric Mud ‘Black Wool’ EP

The Electric Mud are back for an independently issued quick visit with their four track, twenty four minute EP titled Black Wool, due out on September 25th featuring covers from Corrosion Of Conformity and The Allman Brothers Band after two originals to kick off the EP. Showcasing a laid back southern drenched hard rock, inspired by the spiritual heartland of Jack Daniels soaked pubs, personified by Peter Kolter’s vocals. The sound is generally more laid back than previous records and the covers give the impression the band is having fun with the EP format by taking the opportunity to give a respectful nod to bands that form part of The Electric Mud DNA.

The Electric Mud ‘Black Wool’

The EP explodes into a gallop then quickly settles into its groove on the impressive Ordinary Men. The first lyrics are ‘you feel it in between your muscle and bone’ which perfectly captures the mood, not only in the opening bars but also for the rest of the record. The half time chorus is a smooth transition which is virtually impossible not to sing along with, it then evolves into a southern hard rock and metal outro that has some killer work on the drums with interplay from the guitars. It is a cracker of a tune.

Black Wool is a different vibe and story as the whiskey pumps through the veins and the tempo is pulled back. Kolter’s vocals carry a large stretch of the song until the progressive instrumental section allows the instruments to fill in the sound and explore varying styles until the Black Wool returns to finish off the southern rock ballad.    

laid back southern drenched hard rock…

With both covers (Corrosion Of Conformity’s Albatross and The Allman Brothers Band Whipping Post) you can hear the band having a tonne of fun playing these classic tunes. They’ve learnt every nuance from the originals and re-created them here but tinted with the mood established by Black Wool. This is particularly evident in the band’s version of the Whipping Post as it’s full of purpose, complete with every solo that rivals the original from 1969.  

The EP has the feel of a band hinting at what is to come, perhaps in the not-too-distant future. There’s a sense of control in the song writing, production, vocals and dynamics between the band members that has evolved from their previous records. The best examples of this can be found in Ordinary Men and Whipping Post. When it drops grab yourself a JD on the rocks, sit back and enjoy.

Label: Independent
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram

Scribed by: Maxx