Fiftywatthead – “Fogcutter” [Album Review]

It’s always amazing when I get a chance to review one of the more obscure bands. They always have so much more to offer and because the bands are usually newer, they generally also have a more unique sound. Certainly some of these bands are still playing around with their sound trying to find the one that suits them best, but after listening to Fogcutter, I’m fairly confident Fiftywatthead already knows what they’re doing.

Almost every track on the album is different, ranging from hard Rock to all out Metal. Regardless, there still remains a sense of unity throughout the record, seeing as the songs all tend to tie in with a central theme surrounding life at sea. Plus the band is so damn tight! One sour point however; I noticed the guitars’ distortion is pretty much the same level all the time. Maybe this was a recording issue? I’m not saying this is a really bad thing, not at all. Instead, one should remember that it’s all on the variety of style used, rather than distortion levels… and these guys DO mix it up.

“Iron Clad” is honestly one of the best tracks on the album. It begins slow and eerie, just like any good hard song should, then the intro (consisting of ringing guitars and bass) continue to build up momentum until all dropping in like a catastrophic wall of sound. Once the music begins, the instrumentation actually has a post hardcore feel to it. Mmmm… Everybody loves sour chords!

I personally feel this is one of the better underground albums to come out in some time. Some bands today just plain and simple suck, but these guys come to the table with more than just distortion and cool clothes to offer.

Track Listing:

01. Whiteout
02. Fogcutter
03. Seadawg
04. Capsized
05. Four Points
06. Iron Clad
07. Last Leg
08. Followed By Thunder

Run Time: 44:08
Release Date: November 11, 2008