DANCE NOW, EVERYONE, ‘TIL THE HELLFIRE TAKES US ALL!
The closing lines to certified banger “Dance to the Grave”, the 2nd song of this album are just so good I couldn’t think of a better way to start this review.
Green Lung felt like a hazy breath of fresh air when I’d first heard of them, most likely playing some outdoor festival stage at that magical mid-afternoon slot when the sun is peaking and the beer is flowing beautifully. Their modernisation of vintage hard rock / stoner rock / NWOBHM setting themselves apart from the rest of the bands playing that day – red SGs and leather jackets included, of course.
Their latest release is a sprawling 40 minutes of occult storytelling, taking you through the streets of a nightmarish, gaslit London. Along for the ride are vocals drenched with swagger and the intertwining attack of haunting organs and riffs that would overshadow the London Eye. Even the most stoic of people will want to bang their heads and scream along thanks to the irresistible hooks and instantly catchy choruses heard throughout.
“Necropoliton Line” in particular, is an instant classic. Pairing soaring vocals with a theatrical rhythm section that feels unstoppable all whilst easily cramming in the best guitar solos on the album and a snarl that would make even the punkiest of punks pull stank faces.
I’ve listened to it so many times this week and it just refuses to get old. It’s just such a fun, joyful listen and its running time feels right at the sweet spot at leaving me wanting more but not overstating it’s welcome. It’s definitely an album that will stay in my rotation for a while.
I loved this. Give it a listen and dance around the house. If you like bands like Grand Magus, Deep Purple. Fuck even if you like Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath (and this is probably everyone) then I think you’ll like this. If this doesn’t elevate Green Lung up a level then I don’t know what will.
Best paired with: A map of the London Underground, some stakes and the address of a friendly Apothecary.
Reviewed by Steve.
Green Lung – Necropolitan is out now on nuclear blast records.
Leave a Reply