Right from the start of ‘Parerga’, it becomes eminently clear that Brightonians Ragweed are somewhat of an anachronism, and revel in it. Spurning the sounds of modernity, the trio combine the sludgier end of grunge typified by bands like Mudhoney and the less melodious moments of Nirvana and the incisive rhythms of early post-hardcore akin to Fugazi and Helmet. Their second release, Ragweed’s bruising, punishing sounds may be discomforting for some, but for those who enjoy a rather uneasy ride, this might be right up your alley.

One can tell what sort of experience one is in for at the very start, with Joe Dann’s growling bassline kicking off ‘Black and Scally’, featuringthe riotous, filthy riffs and the howls of frontman Tom Adamson, and Nick Spooner punishing skins in a manner suggestive of John Stanier, formerly of the aforementioned Helmet. This opener gives way to ‘Dermal Dispenser’, tempered with a little more groove than its forebear, albeit a lurching groove that puts one in the mind of the kind of buzzsaw riffs favoured by Northern Ireland metallers Therapy?. ‘Nip The Bud’ completes an excellent opening trio; with a sound that brings Stateside luminaries to mind, it’d be an easy copout for Adamson to adopt a faux Seattle drawl, but he retains natural Britishness in his vocal, much to his credit.

This 7-track mini-album presents a darker, more malevolent side to Ragweed than was seen on previous EP ‘Double Chalker’, and certainly presents them as a consistent band; while tracks like ‘Strange Colour’ and ‘Divorce Reality’ aren’t standouts, they’re certainly solid neck-elasticaters that give credence to their claims of being a “high-octane” live act. Finisher ‘George Moshington’ is another highlight of this fine record, not just for its fantastic titular pun; it boasts a hefty rolling riff and the foreboding, menacing bass that has so often been the star of ‘Parerga’, building toward an ending sure to see them off in style at gigs. Whilst a familiar affair, it’s comforting hearing a band pay homage to old favourites, concurrently exhibiting a fondness for more contemporaneous touchpoints such as Pissed Jeans. A decent release, especially for a band only formed in 2012.

3.5/5

‘Parerga’ by Ragweed is out now.

Ragweed links: Facebook|Twitter

Words by Ollie Connors (@olliexcore)