Castrovalva - Thug Poetry [Single]

Brew Records

October 23, 2009, 12:40 AM

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Said the shotgun to the face, “Castrovalva!” I fell in love with this band instantly. Having recently acquired vocalist Leemun Smith, and swiftly beginning work on the furious "Thug Poetry," Castrovalva are making all the right moves. Not only did "Thug Poetry" immediately grab me by the short and curlies, it got me to check out the rest of the Brew Records catalogue. Where has this label been? I know I’m over in the States, but still. This whole label is epic. Too bad epic was already taken as a label name!

"Thug Poetry" is an ace. Castrovalva has expanded on the bass and drum rock concept. The huge riff sound is still there. This is in large part thanks to the work of Ghost Town Studios. Ghost Town not only managed to create the huge sound, but also give it clarity. Thus, those defining moments of high treble bass and vocal work stand out as clearly as the thunderous low riffing. I could compare Castrovalva to such bands as Big Business, Lullabye Arkestra, or Lightning Bolt for their meaty riffing and bass-drum focus, but they’ve managed to stand apart. For one, the groove has more of an emphasis on speed. On 'Thuglife,' this is made apparent. That fast, almost noodly riff, with a few group shouts, picks up the tempo right off. Leemun Smith jumping in with his eerily effeminate voice, “Breaking Jaws, always meaning what you say. You’re so pitiful, so proud.” This pre-release also contains 'Outlawz.' With a great chanted hook and that gnarly riffing, guaranteed to please.

Castrovalva just recently acquired Smith. Already there’s been a great response over that move. With Smith, Castrovalva is elevated to something greater than the sum of their parts. What was a great rock band has become a phenomenal rock experience. It’s easy to see why they would’ve wanted to get back into the studio so quickly on the heels of their early 2009 self-titled release. With an incredible new vocalist in front, and an awesome label behind them, "Thug Poetry" is destined for greatness.

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