THE BEAST

 Scum Giant - Space Vampire - Reviewed By Metal Digest ! Check it out here at this link: https://metal-digest.com/2023/03/27/scum-giant-space-vampires-ep/

Dan Schabes is precisely that sort of musician it is very easy to fall out with. People who can play every note and beat you hear on a record are frankly hoarding the talent all for themselves and not sharing with us mere mortals. There is also, annoyingly, no weak spot on this EP where you can imagine it being improved by it being done by a specialist musician at any particular instrument. The drumming is fluid and has a sanguinity and feel few can match, the bass is as precise as a Swiss soldier’s wristwatch, and the guitars have a deliciously dark and sensuous vibe that is thoroughly addictive. 

Riffage is mighty too; deep and slow windmills at the ready for some achingly catchy grooves. The songs are lean and low and avoid “overplaying”, so they stay fresh. The minor demerit is the inconsistent production; last time out with the full-length album “Deaden” the production was so unobtrusive, clean, and utterly flawless you never once thought about it. There are a couple of clunky moment on “Space Vampires” that distract from the flow. Unless they’re intentional to give a “lo-res” feel to the piece, and if that’s the game; you picked the wrong playing field. 

Whether or not you choose to be as picky about detail is up to you. The main thing I’d say is that after two solid albums, and then a four year wait; a four-track EP? Seriously? There best be a full album hiding round the corner because with song writing and particularly riff creation (hunt down titular track Scum Giant for one of the greatest, dirtiest, riffs of all time) with this level of talent it shouldn’t be shy about coming forward. Great little set of songs though. Just a poor choice <or> a shame about the production. It could just be a streaming problem, perhaps on vinyl it sounds fucking ace. Metal Digest !

Also available on Apple!