For latecomers to Acid Kings down-tuned depravity, Japans Leaf Hound has re-released the San Francisco trios first recordings: their eponymous 1994 debut EP (vinyl-only) and 1995 full-length Zoroaster, both originally on Sympathy for the Record Industry and sinfully out of print. The Early Years features no bonus tracks, no new artwork just beautifully ugly doom from one of the genres leading ladies. As she growls, "Slow, thats the only way I know in opener "Lead Paint, front-woman Lori S. means it, leading her three-piece through torpid tuneage with uncomplicated Neil Young-like solos. The six-minute "Drop is another creeper, with Kyuss-like pedal effects. "Midway features backing vocals by producer and Melvins drummer Dale Crover (also Loris hubby). "Evil Satan, the lead track off Zoroaster, lopes and lurches through the bands now signature doomscapes, and "One Ninety-Six, "Tank, "Dry Run and "Queen of Sickness reinforce the bands devotion to the groove. "Vertigate #1 and its reprise, "Vertigate #2 (the latter with an intro of a Harley rumbling to life), prove that Acid King, even 12 years ago, were no mere dilettantes to doom. This retro compilation is a must-hear for fans of their later material.
(Leaf Hound)Acid King
The Early Years
BY Chris AyersPublished Sep 17, 2007