Hot And Sweet...

Ape Skull - Fly Camel Fly (2015)

Ape Skull's first album (which was on Heavy Psych Sounds, just like this one) came out just a couple years ago, but they're already back with another full-length, done in just one recording session but without any compromising of their style.  The nine songs to be found on Fly Camel Fly are largely in the stoner rock style, though they do mix it up a bit with touches of blues and psychedelic to keep listeners from feeling like they know how it's going to go.  Warm string tones and fuzz amps help bring the band's love of the early '70s to life, with songs such as "Early Morning" and the title track radiating a sunny friendliness that shows the band's skill at mixing heavy and upbeat vibes.  The guitarist's knack for stretching and twisting the psychedelic off-shoots leads to some savorable sweetness, though the band does take care to keep things generally compact, with only "Fly Camel Fly" itself breaking five minutes.
Similarly, the vocals have a high-soaring quality, but never really over-reach or over-stay their part in the songs.  Mad fills, bridges, and backing from the drummer give the music's sleepy-eyed smile some percussive caffeination, sometimes moving into an off-beat swagger that's cool and infectiously enthused, and the band-members do a great job of enhancing each other's performances without being too obvious about their props.  Music for good times, heavy rock with an honest-sounding love of its influences, and a title that'll have fans scratching their heads for years to come; Fly Camel Fly is an early pick for this year's Top 20.
~ Gabriel

For Fans Of;    Camel, Iron Butterfly, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Blue Cheer

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A Good Old School Skull Fu...

Ape Skull - Self Titled (2013)

Capturing the essence of an artwork is the most important thing when creating it, and I believe this essence can only be captured by trying to only capture this, and not dwell on it. In my visual arts I do this by quicksnapping photos, quickly and emotionally sculpting and painting, and in general just immediately carry out ideas I have. This Italian trio named Ape Skull must have thought the same when recording their debut, as they finished it in only one session, and in that one session they've definitely captured the glory days of the hippie age. Heavy doses of psychedelic rock that make me long for a hot summerday in the park, some cold beers and a gathering of people just chilling. Now the album's last song Hooka kicks in it reminds me that one of those would be granted a warm welcome too. Ape Skull might be one of many that follow the yearning for the music of the days of yore, but to me is the only band that fully succeeds in capturing that old but not forgotten sound. The production is a lot clearer than the old classics but I'm not one to say that it's 'overproduced' just because it doesn't sound like it's recorded in some leaking basement next to the town's main road, I call better recording equipment. Whatever the case, it doesn't matter to me, and shouldn't matter to you too, as the tunes Ape Skull play are what is important. Rightfully so at that. Their tunes will, in my quaint little music library, join the ranks of Steppenwolf, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and the likes. Yes, I am putting it up there. They may not peak Led Zeppelin or my favourite old time rockers Deep Purple, but they are up there. It is just really, really good, and keeps getting better the way the album progresses. Go and get it. Go on! What are you waiting for, for this review to end? Screw this review, just enjoy Ape Skull!
There's actually no downloadable release currently available but we've been given permission to hit you lucky lot up with a couple of tracks. But if you're yearning for more, go and pick up the super limited vinyl from our good friends at Heavy Psych Sounds! There's 200 on blue vinyl, 200 on yellow and 100 on violet, but get in there quick because there's not many left!
~ Ruben

For Fans Of; Pink Floyd, Taste, Atomic Rooster, Iron Butterfly, Orange Peel

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Ape Skull (Sample) (256kbps)

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