The name sounds more terrifying than the band really is. The British make classic hard rock, but where their examples from the seventies sometimes wanted to lose themselves in endless guitar solos and psychedelic excesses, the three members of Band Of Skulls opt for compact songs. There is always more than enough room for instruments other than the overdriven electric guitar, on Himalayan more than
… ever. There is Cold Sweat, a beautiful ballad driven by synthesizers, sung by bassist Emma Richardson. That number does not stand alone. Songs like Nightmares and You Are All That I Am Not would also be labeled 'indie' rather than 'classic rock'. Actually, only opener Asleep At The Wheel is reminiscent of the work the band has made a name for. So actually a new course and it works out quite well. Himalayan is not terribly innovative, but nobody expects that from Band Of Skulls. We did expect catchy melodies and solid arrangements, however, and this record does not disappoint at all. Himalayan is a coherent album that is easy to listen to. With a nice splash of seventies guitar every now and then. (HF)more