Mandy VKS Cattleprod’s has returned with her doom project, Murkrat. Drudging The Mire follows from their 2008 self-titled album, however they have made minimal progress between albums.
Just as its predecessor, Drudging the Mire offers a unique conjuration of doom but it is lacking in the riff department. There is not any bad riffs so to speak, but mediocre riff being dragged along for the majority of songs becomes borderline boring. The Drumming also doesn’t aid the situation which is held down by Neil Dyer, which is unfortunate since his work in Innsmouth is attention-grabbing. The saving grace on Drudging the Mire is Mandy's vocals. Her haunting wails and disturbing shrieks holds everything together and take charge on songs. Her vocals also evoke a very creepy atmosphere which is assisted by the gloomy production which fits perfectly compared to the rawer sounding self-titled. Synthesizers, pianos and even organs drape a thick shroud of fog around songs amplifying that lingering mood. At times Murkrat struggles to move forward, I. Rodent and Faceless for example both have no general direction and shamble around. Though their are moments of doom brilliance. Electric Womb's lumbering passages and slithering twists drags the listener on a slow haunting journey through a maze of thorns.
Drudging the Mire is no easy listen as it takes time to grow into, and some may find this only to be a slightly rewarding experience. Though Mandy summons a distinguishing doom sound, it is held back by a lack of progression that make Druging the Mire merely decent listen rather then classic.
6.5/10
You are incorrect to say this is "merely decent" sir. MurkRat albums are classics. Surely you'd agree after 10 years of growth since the post. Each MurkRat album exemplifies True DOOM.
ReplyDeleteDrudging the Mire never struggles to move forward. However, an anxious or distracted listener will struggle to keep down with the pace. The album title and cover art serve as ample warning.