The Sultans

I like bands that take a little bit of this and a little bit of that and throw it all together to create their sound, to me the end result is much more interesting and enjoyable to listen. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and brings that expectation as to what might come at you next, it becomes so boring when musicians never experiment and play around with the talents they've been given. But, one won't find that here, this is a complete array of different sounds and moods that set the stage for some interesting and enjoyable listening.

Rocking off first is Under the temple grooves in with pulsating guitar riffs, setting the stage for all that it to come. The gravelly vocals catch your attention straight away and drive the song to you, making it impossible to ignore what's being heard. The melodic tones of the vocals are like dripping honey over the grind and thrust of the guitar riffs, making for some down right dirty and delectable stuff. Further on, everything seems to electrify and grow wilder with this fever of rage and then swiftly bellows out leaving you with that feeling of wanting just a little bit more; really great tune this is!

Right before you wake slows it down to let you catch your breath and lay back and experience the seductive manner of not only Johnny bringing the vocals, but also the delicious craftsmanship of Ryan on guitar as it slides and glides in waves of just enough intensity to make your flesh quiver. Off in the distance one can hear the skittering of the drums keeping the pace of it all and wrapping it all up nicely for the ears. This is the sort of band, you can't sum up just from one song, and they bring quite a diverse sound with each song, all having a raw edge to it.

Lastly is Sooner or Later which has to be my favourite of the bunch, it just has this classic sound to it, that instantly makes me think of bands like The Who and such, the hyperactive guitar riffs that bellow in and out smoothly alongside the drums kick ass, then the vocals come in quick and hyped to just tear it all up. I love the fierce and confident soulfulness of the vocals as they sing it out in an almost speaking bluesy manner towards the end, this is the cherry on top the cake that everyone wants to steal for themselves, the song then seems to set off like a possessed rattlesnake till the very end of the song comes to a crashing end; Brilliant stuff!

I enjoyed the music indeed, I thought it had a very retro sound to it, but you could hear their own spin put into it. Like hearing someone sing the music that is in them to play and not just playing what's suppose to be in fashion to play, there's a rawness that flows out of the music as well, which I quite enjoy too. After listening to the energy of it all, I'm left wondering what they'd be like on stage. I look forward to hearing more & seeing how they progress from this point! Good stuff!

- Kizzy H. www.myspace.com/sunofsultans



- Infuzed Magazine, Glasgow Scotland