Review: Tidal Shock ‘Riffs Of Ha’
Based on the Greek island of Crete before relocating to Luxembourg during the pandemic, Tidal Shock are a rip-roaring instrumental three-piece that have cut their teeth touring with fellow Hellenic acts like Automaton and Naxatras. After releasing their 2018 EP Black Hole Genesis, they now bring us an independently released full-length album to showcase how far their sound has come in six years.
Drawing upon both local and international influences, theirs is a straightforward and energetic variety of instrumental stoner rock. I’m not sure if ‘Ha’ is an abbreviation of a laugh, but we’ll let the riffs do the talking….
Collimation Refractor begins with a suitably ominous doom opening ala Electric Wizard before launching into a kinetic and fast paced desert rock affair, a bit like Kyuss with a touch more minor key. The production packs a satisfying whomp while serpentine guitar weaves about the propulsive rhythm section.
Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin come to mind with the longer, dialed back and more melodic Umbra Planet which goes for minimalism and provides a nice and mellow counterpoint to the speed of the opener. The second half certainly has a wee bit of Tool resemblance to that band’s live jam sessions and achieves the planetary vibe its title suggests.
serpentine guitar weaves about the propulsive rhythm section…
The chilled out feeling continues with Variable Star, a pleasing number to relax to. Interstellar Orbiter also continues this for a minute or so before picking up the pace with some suitable Mediterranean melodies along with good tempo changes. It’s familiar but quite nice.
Caplan Thruster is probably the strongest track on the album, seemingly blending Elder’s earlier stoner period with their more prog and psychedelic leanings. It manages to traverse peaks and valleys with a good dose of sonic grandeur. The title track also follows this format. Riffs Of Ha is certainly an enjoyable listen, but I feel as though Tidal Shock have yet to find their identity.
Much of their stylings aren’t too different from what the likes of Elder, King Buffalo and Weedpecker, among many other bands, have done in the past. There are a lot of wispy psych lead guitar parts, some heavier riffing, and familiar space-related themes. It certainly is good, but I feel this band could be capable of more. Ha’s Riffs are fine and all, but perhaps this Greek three-piece will take us on a different journey of their own making someday.
Label: Independent
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Rob Walsh
