Album Review: Folklore – Self-Titled
Folklore’s self-titled album takes listeners on a journey through a captivating blend of doom and sludge, balancing haunting atmospheres with raw, DIY production. Despite the occasional production flaw, the band’s unique sound shines through, especially with their ability to build tension and mood across extended track lengths. Let’s dive into each song:
1. Never Go Back
Right from the start, Never Go Back grabs attention with its deep bass and gritty guitar work, but the production feels a bit rough around the edges. While the mix is far from polished, it adds a unique charm that fits the band’s aesthetic. The bass is thick and heavy, at times too overpowering, but it finds its sweet spot when the guitars dip lower in the mix. The vocals are a bit buried, yet their deep, guttural quality adds a sinister layer, particularly when the clean vocals kick in with an eerie, haunting effect. The song is well-paced for its nine-minute runtime, with a ghostly guitar solo toward the end that captures the track’s unsettling vibe. However, the drum sound feels too mechanical at times, which detracts from the overall impact. Still, the song is compelling, even with its imperfections.
2. Clockwork Kings
Unfortunately, Clockwork Kings struggles with its production quality. The vocals, though better performed than before, suffer from poor recording, leaving them flat and muffled. The riffs, drums, and bass are low in the mix, leaving the track feeling a bit disjointed. The bass does manage to carry some funk, with soft drums adding texture, but the overall sound lacks the charm of earlier tracks. Some of the riffs feel out of place and clunky, though the rhythm section becomes more mesmerizing when stripped down to just drums and guitar. Despite these issues, the song maintains a nice flow, and the clean vocals, though rough at times, show potential.
3. Persona Non Grata
This track sees a return to form, with a much stronger production that highlights the band’s strength in building mood. The mix on the slow guitars is solid, and the drums are simple yet effective, providing a more dynamic feel than on previous tracks. The vocals here take on a haunting, doubled effect that adds to the eerie atmosphere. The bass is thick, groovy, and perfectly complements the dense riffs, while the overall structure of the song is well-paced, allowing the tension to build. The riffs carry a sense of melancholy, enhancing the track’s alternative edge. Persona Non Grata showcases Folklore’s ability to create atmosphere and deliver powerful, memorable moments.
4. The Primrose Path
The Primrose Path begins with a rough start, as the production feels messy and the bass and drums sound clunky. The track finds its footing after a minute or so, with distorted riffs recalling ‘90s alternative rock. However, the bass and drums continue to feel out of sync, which hurts the song's flow. The vocals, while big and forceful, struggle to shine through the muddy production. The solo is lost in the chaos, and even though there’s an acoustic guitar breakdown that offers a refreshing switch, the rest of the song falters in execution. The pacing starts to crumble as the song progresses, with jarring transitions that prevent it from living up to its potential.
5. Lost in Random
The final track, Lost in Random, provides a welcome burst of energy. With faster tempos, dynamic drums, and solid riffs, it offers a more vibrant, driving sound. The bass is a little high in the mix but works well during the slow sections, where it complements the sorrowful guitars. The vocals are again a mix of death growls and clean, haunting passages that create a rich texture. The transition at the five-minute mark, when the music slows down and the vocals become more ethereal, is striking. Unfortunately, a rough and unnecessary guitar solo dampens the mood briefly, but the song recovers with a beautiful doom/sludge section, filled with eerie, ambient moments. The ebb and flow of the track are impressive, and while some hiccups in the execution are evident, Folklore keeps things fresh and interesting for the entire 20-minute journey.
Conclusion
Folklore’s self-titled album is a fascinating mix of doom, sludge, and atmospheric elements, with some tracks standing out more than others. While the production issues can be distracting, they often lend a DIY charm that adds to the band's identity. Folklore excels at building tension and mood, particularly with their thick bass, haunting vocals, and dense riffs. There’s room for improvement in terms of cohesion and execution, especially with the drums and occasional rough vocals, but the album remains an enjoyable and immersive listen for fans of the genre. The band shows a lot of promise, and despite the flaws, they’ve created a captivating and ambitious record.
RATING:7/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Never Go Back
Clockwork Kings