CRYSTAL SPIDERS ‘Molt’ LP Review.

Words El Jefe.

Molt starts with a primitive, grinding bassline that creeps outta the speakers, and oozes across the floor. The sound is akin to a huge, lurching monolithic machine that gently crushes all in its path, like some kinda doom-powered Sandcrawler.

Crystal Spiders is a side-side project of Brenna Leath (The Hell No, Lightning Born) who handles the low end, guitar and vocals. Tradd Yancey (Thirsty Curses) beats things with sticks, contributes some vocals and also plays drums in this dynamic duo. The band play some hefty, Sab-influence lo-fi doom. But then again, who hasn’t been influenced by Tony and co? Well. Maybe Patsy Cline, but let’s not hold that against her. She’s alright! The songs are eclectic, potent and charged with a liquid maniacal edge that easily drew me into its’ shimmering web.

‘Trapped’ is some meaty grind, and a classic opener, although title tune ‘Molt’ does kick things up a notch, touching on a slightly more Detroit-ish kinda riffarama. Across the whole shebang, the playing is tight and effective, with a plethora of chunky riffs and squalling guitars to add flesh to the bones. With Brenna’s roaring vocals, you have the final piece of the puzzle to bind the sound together.

Brenna lured Lightning Born co-conspirator Mike Dean (Corrosion of Conformity) in to lend a hand on the production of Molt, and the result is thick, fuzzy and with a distinctive primal, lo-fi howl. Throw in some spooky, ethereal tracks like ‘Fog’ and the drum and vox ‘Headhunters’, and you’ve got a cool timewarp back to the ‘70s for your next nude Twister on acid shindig. It’s a whole bunch of fun, and just to keep you on ya toes, got more sides than that Gemini ex who keeps stalking you. Go on, if you try it, you’ll like it!

Crystal Spiders Molt is available now through Ripple Music HERE.
Crystal Spiders: Facebook / Bandcamp // Instagram.