Reviewed - 03/15/05

Organic Songs – Volume One
[Phantom Music]

I do enjoy a challenge, especially when it comes to reviewing music. Without bragging too much, I can confidently make the claim that I am more knowledgeable in music than most people. I listen to a remarkable variety of music, and own a sizable library of CDs. But that doesn't mean I have heard all that there is to hear. Every once in a while I find myself discovering something new, or at least something new to me. And when it comes down to describing an album for which I have little point of reference… at that point, I can only smile, sit back, and take the challenge head-on.

Electric Earth are one such band; as much as I enjoy their full-length debut, "Organic Songs – Volume One," it is unlike pretty much everything else in my collection. Electric Earth play hard rock/heavy metal that reminds me more of Monster Magnet than anyone else, though there is a complete absence of psychedelic elements whatsoever, so that might not be the strongest of comparisons. Black Sabbath also comes to mind, though once again, Electric Earth is nowhere near as heavy (and vocalist Peter Gottlieb is no Ozzy). But the point is, this is a band playing hard-hitting rock music with clean vocals and a decidedly stoner influence. Or at least, as much as I can discern, not being especially versed in stoner metal.

The aforementioned Gottlieb most often dwells in the middle range of vocals, always clean, sometimes with a slight accent or slur, but audible and discernable most of the time. His is a sound that comes close to Ozzy or even Chris Cornell at times, but for the most part is unique to my ears. Gottlieb is also credited with guitars and percussion. Guitarist Tommy Scalisi provides occasional backup vocals in the form of higher-register harmonies. Speaking of guitars, the riffs throughout "Organic Songs – Volume One" are surprisingly memorable, distorted and rocking and overall nicely played. Fans of old school rock & roll guitar solos will be pleased with this album as well. Bassist Lyris Karlsson doesn't come to the forefront of the music very often, so there isn't much to say about him. And drummer Lars Berger beats the hell out of his kit in such a way that it accents the rest of the band's music and gives it an added weight at the same time. He is never especially fast or brutal – no blasting or double-bass – but Berger's style fits perfectly within the sound of Electric Earth.

"Space Mammoth" is a high-octane hard-rocker that is as close to all-out metal as Electric Earth come. "Dragged Down" is slower, more emotional, and much lighter, yet still works nicely. "Superseded" is almost alternative rock in its catchy melodies and beat. "D.W.B." opens up with more crunch and percussion than one would expect, given the previous nine tracks, but swiftly launches into that familiar Electric Earth song. And the album's final track is a cover of Iron Butterfly's classic "In-a-Gadda-da-Vida" (the edit version, not the epic-length full version). It is simultaneously the heaviest song on this album and the most psychedelic.

Overall, this is a pretty good album. In the band's own words, "If you like groove and all-out rock, try this!" I find that statement to sum up Electric Earth rather well. "Organic Songs – Volume One" is heavy, rhythmic, and old school, not too challenging for the musicians or the listener, but perfect for 'certain frames of mind.' It's a fun disc, and while it may not appeal to the heaviest headbangers out there, Electric Earth is certainly worth chilling to.