Alunah/Queen Elephantine – Split 7"

One track from each band and all on spectacular purple vinyl with awesome production, there is something special about bands like this on vinyl and both Alunah and Queen Elephantine are perfect specimens for the vinyl format. Its released on "Catacombs Records" which has quickly established as one of the best labels going around, the quality of the bands on the roster and the superb packaging they provide gives other labels a good run for their money. Alunah's track "Song Of The Sun" is a stunning riff-tastic track with a exceptional vocal performance from singer "Sophie". She has developed a style all of her own, the sultry way she delivers the words are a perfect match for Alunah's psyche/stoner doom sound. The song is not only catchy but it sounds like a band that has finally found its feet showing some real depth to their performance of the track. The guitar sound is even thicker than what was on their first release and the drums kick louder than ever before, this is all pushed along but some huge production that is big but still retains a live feeling. "Alunah" has always had the potential to do a lot more than just another riff-happy doom band, they have some real songwriting ability that should take them a long way in the future.

Turn it over and you get something different, the track Queen Elephantine dish up is a drone/doom/psychedelic crossover called "Mephistopheles". Maybe its just the 7" format but this tune is a far more concise effort compared to album tracks they have done previously. It boasts middle eastern overtones while keep the fuzzy progressive meets psychedelia rock sound right there in your face. A complete contrast to Alunah as this tune doesn't have the usual traditional flow but after all that is one of the bands trademarks. One thing that stands out is "Mephistopheles" has a stronger melody that one is usually used to hearing from the band, its almost catchy. Putting these two bands together on a split 7" may seem a bit strange but both songs compliment each other really well. Limited copies available from Catacomb Records 9/10

www.alunaband.co.uk
queenelephantine.clfrecords.com