Riotgod - Driven Rise

Now this is an appropriately trippy album cover for a retro-style band. Everything's so greeeen!Drummer Bob Pantella (Monster Magnet) decided that he wanted another outlet, giving rise to the formation of Riotgod back in 2007. And with the band's third release, Driven Rise, you can see where his passion and vision have carried him.

Recorded at Bob's New Jersey studio, there's a great live feel to the whole thing. I really like that this is one of the few retro-style bands that isn't afraid to embrace modern technology when it comes to their sound. Most bands of this ilk are card carrying members of the Cult of the Analog, and it's starting to make the music sound too cookie cutter and, ironically, processed. And while I call it retro, don't necessarily assume that means a straight 70s sound. This is really more of a classic 90s grunge sound, itself a progression of the 70s sound but with a modern, heavier sensibility. There's also more of a positive feel to the music rather than the post-modern, nihilism that pervades most such music. Part of what stands out is the voice of lead singer, Sunshine, whose throaty, controlled wails remind me of Freddie Mercury. Now this is a great way to do retro.

The Bottom Line: Imagine yourself at a mixing board, hands poised over the sliders as Soundgarden jams in the booth. Turn up the Led Zeppelin 25%, then ease up the psychedelic Beatles about 15%, fade out Cornell while raising up Freddie Mercury. There, now you have Riotgod.

Tracks To Make You Stand Around All Supersexy Like A Young Robert Plant: Driven Rise, They Don't Know, and Sidewinder

- Genghis could never have gone shirtless on his best day...