MASTODON – Once More ‘Round the Sun

Six albums in and Mastodon are still firing on all cylinders. Over time their sound has become more streamlined. Ok, they are still as idiosyncratic as ever, but now if feels easier to swallow and the overall consistency is tighter. All of the elements – from the prog rock leanings to the more sludgy vibes are integrated more smoothly, making this easily the most accessible Mastodon album to date. One thing that helps make the Mastodon sound more radio-friendly is the continuing slow shift of vocal duties from Troy to Brett. As time has gone on Brett’s voice has become stronger and stronger and now that it features more heavily, the increased melodic possibilities pay dividends in the form of more memorable choruses and refrains.

Overall then, this is a pinnacle release from a band that have been doing great things for a decade and a half now. If you ever had any interest in this band, ‘Once More ‘Round the Sun’ is strongly recommended. I was a big fan around the time of ‘Leviathan’ but went off them a bit after ‘Blood Mountain’ because I felt the album releases, although they all had standout parts, suffered from a lack of consistent quality. Either songs that didn’t work for me or long passages in the more epic numbers that made my attention wander and not return. But now I am back and happy to be here. Join me.

http://www.mastodonrocks.com/

http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/#/artists/mastodon