CRYSTAL FAIRY — Crystal Fairy (review)

CRYSTAL FAIRY — Crystal Fairy album cover Album · 2017 · Stoner Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Crystal Fairy" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by US heavy/hard rock act Crystal Fairy. The album was released through Ipecac Recordings in February 2017. Crystal Fairy was formed in 2016 by guitarist Buzz Osborne (Melvins), drummer Dale Crover (Melvins), bassist/guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta), and lead vocalist Teri Gender Bender (Le Butcherettes).

Stylistically the material on the 11 track, 40:15 minutes long album is heavy rock with the occasional nod towards sludge and alternative rock. The Melvins involvement is clearly heard throughout the album, and the instrumental part of the album could just as well have been the instrumental part of a Melvins album. The vocals by Teri Gender Bender make Crystal Fairy a very different sounding beast to Melvins though. She has a strong voice and a passionate and varied vocal style, which adds a lot to the music. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez normally has a very unique playing style, but I don´t hear much of his influence on the album. This has Melvins featuring Teri Gender Bender written all over it.

Not surprisingly the atmosphere of the music is often a little twisted and quirky, but overall the tracks are relatively accessible featuring regular vers/chorus structures and hooks. It´s predominantly Teri Gender Bender who is the focus of the music, but there are also some pretty great instrumental performances and Crystal Fairy are a tight yet organic playing unit. The brick heavy riffs and organic powerful drumming by the two Melvins guys push the music forward in a great hard rocking way, while Teri Gender Bender moans, wails, and sings her lungs out on top.

"Crystal Fairy" is well produced, and features a raw, powerful, and organic sounding production, which suits the music perfectly. Upon conclusion I wouldn´t exactly call the album a revelation, but it´s a greatly entertaining release while it plays. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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