Album Review: Band of Skulls - Himalayan

Well, well, well. Himalayan is something special. Band of Skulls really have produced an amazing album here.

Band of Skulls are a 3-piece rock outfit from Southampton, featuring the holy trinity of rock music; bass, guitar, drums. That's it. Pure and simple. Throw some vocals on top, and boom.

It is perhaps this simplicity that makes Band of Skulls good at what they do, and beckons them to draw creativity to keep their sound fresh.

As a band which in my eyes are the English equivalent of the Black Keys (plus one), they come with high praise (Baby Darling Doll Face Honey) and great musicianship.

What does it sound like?
Equal parts punchy and smooth, Himalayan sounds fantastic. As the title suggests, the album has a big sound, but has a lovely crisp feel to it; Band of Skulls bring a lovely bare sound that is never too cluttered, but still has a heck of a bite.

The album is garage rock through and through, and never fails to remind you; the album is no nonsense, moving from track to track with brutal efficiency. Each track leaves you hanging, only for the next to bring you back into the foray.

There is no time for filler tracks.

There are definitely a few twinges of influences here and there; 'Nightmares' has a slight Britpop twinge to it, 'Hoochie Coochie' reminds me a little bit of Led Zeppelin. But nothing feels stolen, it simply feels like you're taking a journey through a musical landscape.

Best tracks:
- 'Himalayan', 'Brothers and Sisters'

The eponymous track 'Himalayan' is amazing, put simply. 'Brothers and Sisters' shows a little bit more of the blues side to the album, while still keeping you on your toes.

Worst tracks:
- n/a

Seriously, none.

Overall: 9/10

This is an album that only gets better with each listen. To me, the album is as good as Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, possibly better. Band of Skulls have definitely not lost their touch after 3 albums. Here's hoping for a spectacular 4th.