Dunes is an album that embodies the heavy, fuzzed-out sound of stoner/sludge metal, drawing strong influences from legendary bands like Black Sabbath. The thunderous drums and distorted guitars set the stage for an album that feels at times both gritty and powerful. However, despite its strong foundation, it’s an album that occasionally feels a bit inconsistent.

The drumming on this album can be a hit or miss. On tracks like "Cactus" and "Fields of Grey," the drums can feel sloppy and a bit bland, lacking the tightness that would really make the tracks pop. However, on songs like "Tides" and "Northern Star," the drumming feels more energetic and precise, bringing a sense of drive that propels the songs forward.

The distorted guitars are the true backbone of this album, giving it that quintessential stoner rock vibe. From the opening moments of "Riding the Low" to the more atmospheric "How Real Is Real," the guitar work provides a raw and unpolished feeling, which works well throughout the album. The riffs are full of character, with some interesting scaling and dynamics, especially in songs like "Riding the Low."

The bass on "Dunes" contributes a thick, sludgy feel, which complements the album's dark atmosphere. Tracks like "One Eyed Dog" showcase the bass’s deep, resonating presence, creating that perfect, murky stoner vibe. In other songs like "Voodoo," the bass can be a bit too low in the mix, but it generally provides the foundation for the heavier moments of the album.

The vocals are the highlight of the album, offering a surprising level of clarity and crispness that stands out against the fuzz and distortion of the instrumental. The backing vocals add an extra layer of depth, helping to elevate the tracks. In songs like "Northern Star," the combination of strong lead vocals and harmonious backing vocals creates a hypnotic, captivating effect that works beautifully with the slow, ethereal bass.

The pacing of "Dunes" can be a bit inconsistent. Some tracks, like "Tides" and "Riding the Low," maintain a great sense of momentum and flow, with the highs and lows of the songs balancing each other out. However, other tracks, such as "Fields of Grey," can feel a bit bland or draggy, particularly when the drums lack punch or the energy dips. While the album overall has its moments, it can sometimes feel like background rock music rather than a truly captivating listen.

Track-by-Track Breakdown:

1. Cactus
A slow, crawling intro with deep, thumping drums and looping guitar work sets the mood. The guitars are nicely distorted, but the drums feel a bit sloppy at times, with some riffs coming off as slightly out of tune. The song gradually tightens up, particularly when the vocals enter. The bass really comes in strong towards the end, helping to round out the track. Despite some imperfections, the track’s weighty atmosphere holds up well.

2. Tides
This track picks up the pace with hard-hitting riffs and more energetic drumming. The bass buzzes harshly, providing a gritty, dirty tone. The vocals are slightly distorted, but they fit the vibe of the song well, and the ebbs and flows of the track keep it dynamic. By the end, everything comes together beautifully, and the track is a definite highlight of the album.

3. One Eyed Dog
A mesmerizing riff kicks off this track, supported by buzzing bass and heavy stoner energy. While the drums still feel a bit stiff, they loosen up by the second half, allowing the track to groove. The clear vocals and catchy chorus help keep things engaging, while the backing vocals add an extra layer of flair. It’s a solid track with a great build.

4. Northern Star
With its deep, ethereal bass that evokes the sound of Nirvana’s somber tone, "Northern Star" is slow and controlled. The soft, trance-like atmosphere created by the bass and the steady drumming is complemented by the solid vocals. It’s a track that evokes strong '90s alternative vibes and exemplifies the stoner/sludge metal style at its best.

5. Riding the Low
A raw, gritty rocker with catchy guitar riffs and scaling that sticks with you. The drums are basic but serviceable, and the catchy chorus makes this track one of the more infectious ones on the album. The guitar work really shines here, giving the song an edge and a sense of excitement.

6. How Real Is Real
The energy stays high with catchy, distorted riffs that provide a solid foundation for the track. The vocals, while a bit repetitive, are crisp and clear, and the backing vocals help change the song’s dynamic, making it stand out more than some of the others. The track feels distinct thanks to those backing vocals, adding a touch of variety.

7. Voodoo
Heavily inspired by Black Sabbath, this track’s distorted guitars and thunderous drums take center stage. The bass is a bit too low in the mix, but the heavy rock vibe is still present. It's a solid track, but not necessarily one that stands out in a remarkable way. The song picks up a bit toward the end, but it’s more of a standard rock song.

8. Fields of Grey
With its deep, layered bass and strong riffs, "Fields of Grey" has a solid foundation, but the drums feel flat and uninspired at times. The song's energy picks up when the vocals kick in, but the overall vibe can feel a little too bland for some listeners. The backing vocals help add some depth, but the track still drags a bit in the middle.

9. Riding the Slow
This track is an interesting departure from the rest of the album. With a slow, distorted build-up and minimal vocals, it creates a more ambient, atmospheric vibe. The execution is simple but effective, and it’s one of the most unique songs on the album due to its different feel and structure. The lack of rock energy and the sparse, slow atmosphere make it stand out from the more typical stoner rock tracks on the album.

Final Thoughts:
"Dunes" is a stoner/sludge album that brings a lot of strong elements to the table, including solid vocal performances, gritty guitar work, and deep bass lines. While there are some pacing issues and occasional lackluster moments, the album shines in its better tracks like "Tides," "One Eyed Dog," and "Northern Star." For fans of stoner and sludge metal, it's an album worth checking out, though it may not reach the level of truly unforgettable. Still, it has plenty of solid moments and offers an enjoyable listen for those who appreciate the genre.