Sofy Major - Idolize

Yeah, Sofy Major is billed as a doom metal band, but this sounds more to me like classic proto-grunge - and it's great.There's been no shortage of late in the realm of bottom heavy retro rockers (i.e. sludge/doom metal). Sounding like the modern analogue of iconic metal forefathers Black Sabbath, French doom riffers Sofy Major has been slogging through countless countries leaving their pummeled, satisfied audiences wanting more. And their latest playlists will undoubtedly include tracks off their sophomore effort, Idolize.

While those that don't go for the swollen, fuzz-heavy riffs of the genre may find such music slow and plodding, there's no denying that there's an energy here. In fact, tunes like Bbbbreak get downright punky, giving a lift out of the muddy din like an exhilarating breeze on a hot evening. And that's where Sofy Major sets itself apart from other similar bands. While some songs sound like a car crash in progress, there are others that sound like classic Soundgarden in the early stages of grunge; power and melody delivered in dirty jeans and tees rather than leather and pirate shirts. And anyone who grew up with that cathartic punky break from the machined razor of metal in the late 80s/early 90s will likely enjoy the earnestly manic music these Gallic rockers are putting out.

The Bottom Line: Sofy Major is a French band that sounds like it's stepped through time, from 60s' England, to 90s' Seattle, to modern Brooklyn, to rock, drink beer, "and chew bubblegum..."

Tracks To Make You Wanna Smash a Guitar Over an Amp: Bbbreak, UMPPK pt. 2, Slow and Painful, and Platini

- Genghis never really had a grudge against grunge like Ragman...