Before you've even gotten the chance to comprehend the opening remarks leading into the first "Slowhead" track you're immediately pounded by the severity of the power chords and thick back beat that pulverizes and pleases all in one swiftly breaking maneuver.

Hangnail, U.K.-based Heavy Rockers of the "stoner" persuasion, unleash an outpouring of precipitative effects on their new record with the aptly titled "Clouds in the Head" which we'll leave to the more imaginative types to decipher its meaning.

While quick comparisons could be made to other veritable names in the Stoner/Psych rock movement, puts everything out on the line here taking a much grittier approach than is sometimes allowable after a few too many hits of the herb.

"Clouds in the Head," the song for instance, is a gut-wrenching excessively loud pounding led by some crunching guitar licks and Zeppelin-esque techniques efficiently led by Harry Armstrong's wailing vocal strains.

Their second full length overall, Hangnail's probably been on the short end of the thumb several times in their near ten year existence, but their pride and obvious passion for drowning in the art has led them to where they are today, right upon a level with some of the greats of the game.

The tunes are rough and battle ready though could stand a catchy hook or two from time to time to offset the unbridled groove that in itself would be contented to dominate the entire world if it were afforded the opportunity.

But a nice break-in clouds?-occurs with an acoustic instrumental known as "Martyr Youthair," a calm before a storm of sorts as the hollering begins quickly again with "Release" and one of the album's best, the grinding "Into the Ether," and then all over again… relaxation denied.

Hangnail's new one definitely sees them poised to make their break here while the stoner scenes primed and ready for its next transfusion… set 'em up with the likes of Zeppelin, Roadsaw, and early Soundgarden.

Released by The Music Cartel

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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