SLOUGH FEG – Digital Resistance
- Posted on 16-02-2014
Left field heavy metal act Slough Feg roll to their own beat, consistently pumping out proto-metal with Celtic/cultural influence and the one-of-a-kind Ian Anderson meets Mark Shelton-like vocal delivery from guitarist Mike Scalzi. The quartet are truly one of the most harmonic, melody mind acts around the US scene- even when they tame things down with the half-acoustic, half electric number "Habeas Corpsus" where the rhythm section of bassist Adrian Maestas and drummer Harry Cantwell get to show off a little bit of their groove skills with this steady, almost old Western cowboy style gallop.
Overall Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden will come up very frequently when checking out the dual harmonic passages and searing lead breaks from Scalzi and fellow guitarist Angelo Tringali – their work within "Magic Hooligan" and the shape shifting "The Luddite" is the type of heroic material legends are made of. The lyrics travel through fantasy, history, and science-fiction, providing equally heady entertainment value (I especially love "Analogue Avengers- Bertrand Russell’s Sex Den").
Even when they nick a little part here and there from legendary songs (the opening gallop of "Laser Enforcer" straight out of Heart/ "Barracuda"), they somehow transform the song into their own through and through: pulsating cymbal timing, the right transition into the next twin harmonic guitar passage before the lead break takes you into another stratosphere. Understand that Slough Feg would not be your band if looking for morose, melancholic mood music – these gents embody a cultural platform building off 70’s hard rock, early 80’s metal, and a boatload of British influence.
Favorites change on a daily basis. The slower stalk-ish tempo for "The Price Is Nice" and fire-side title track charmer preparing the world for the ‘killing of technology’ seem to bring me to my feet every time. Even if the masses don’t get Slough Feg and their appeal, those in the know do- and "Digital Resistance" is one of the best in their vastly impressive 24 year plus recording career.
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