Reviews – Picayu / Makoto "Om Sweet Home" / Hey Colossus "RRR" / Dead Elephant "Thanatology"

This trio of releases from Riot Season offer up free-rock shocks aplenty. If a label is to be judged by the quality and coherency of its roster of releases then it’s good to see Riot Season taking such care. All three of these little monsters will please those of a more discerningly heavy taste, who appreciate a bit of noise, inspired riffage and a certain “Espirit de Corps” that these loudly engaging artists share.
The Pikacyu / Makoto collaboration is a wildly oscillating affair, pitching between Kosmische chanting and garage-rock fretwork. As you’d expect from a member of Acid Mothers Temple, at points the tracks become almost mantric in their circularity (Wild Rise). It’s all good and if you are a Temple fan then you’ll want to get this.
Hey Colossus release is a far grimier affair with primordial drumming, and acres of guitar mangling, but retaining that same anarchic sense. The pace does slow at points (Warmer The Better), but the vocals remain stranded in the prehistoric swamp over the seven tracks, at times recalling Gibby Haynes’ early efforts. “I am Bunga Bunga” which finishes the album epitomises the gonzoid sense of fun that permeates this effort.
Dead Elephant opt for more expansive, but nonetheless engaging strokes. There’s a bit of sonic ambition at work (On The Stem) coupled with a punchy grunge dynamic (Destrudo) that powers the album along. Again, an enjoyably dynamic release that sweeps the listener along.
Riot Season have done a sterling effort with these three releases. Space / freak-out / Stoner Rock is in safe hands!
More info: Dead Elephant | Hey Colossus | Riot Season