SLUG, aka Sunder land's Ian Black, releases his debut album, Ripe, through Memphis Industries. The music is a mix, not only of genres, but also time periods taking in influences from the '60s up until the present day. This is not just from track to track, but also within the same song. Imagine, if you can, a stoner metal riff but used like a dub bass part or the drumming style of John Bon ham combined with James Browbeat's technique.

That will probably give you some idea of what you're in for. Over the course of this album's 11 tracks (31 min, 48 sec) there are shades of Gorillaz ('Shake Your Loose Teeth'); David Bowie ('Running To Get Past Your Heart' reminded me of Bowie's songs from Labyrinth); while 'Peng Peng' is an instrumental track that takes us on a musical journey that visits the musical genre as well as The Beetles.

The plus point of this album, it's diversity, is also its sticking point. It's doubtful whether anyone will appreciate all of the tracks, but there's certainly plenty here for you to choose from. Personally, I loved it.

9

Nick Smithson