Wino

Punctuated Equilibrium

Southern Lord Records 2009

Somehow I don't think there is anyone in metal who isn't somehow aware of legendary doom frontman and musician Scott "Wino" Weinrich whose projects include St. Vitus, The Hidden Hand, and The Obsessed to name a few.  His debut album with his self-titled band starts off with the rockin' Release Me which possesses a 70s Sabbathy vibe and a jam session to close out the song.  I think this is indicative of the obvious amounts of fun these guys had creating this album.  The Groovy throbbing monster known as the title track bears somewhat more resemblance to modern icons like Clutch and Helmet with its beefy riffs.  The Woman in the Orange Pants is an rollicking instrumental that is all over the place with insane drum fills and bizarre guitar lines.  Smilin' Road reels it back in with a sort of "travelin' man" doom song painting images of a happy stoner wandering far and wide with his characteristic psychedelic strut.  Washed out vocals and an ominously fuzzed out guitar riff fills Eyes of the Flesh with a sense of impending dread.  Another mind-bending instrumental is Wild Blue Yonder which gives free roam to each musician and is especially noticeable on Wino's guitar antics as he pedal effects the hell out of instrument.  The whole song has a tripped-out jam session.  For the instrumental Water Crane the guitar lead creates an eastern desert feel while the groaning undercurrents imply a storm building on the horizon.  Like a leviathan rising from the seas, the final track Silver Lining ascends from a gargantuan riff into a surging and powerful track of increased tempos and commadning vocals courtesy of Wino's distinctive throat which is at the same time sour and smooth. This album represents Wino at his most creative and liberated state.  Punctuated Equilibrium breathes energy and enthusiasm.  Exploring the blues-laden foundation of early doom, this album reaches beyond the typical doom/stoner crowd and has a wider appeal that should carry it passed normal boundaries thrown up against average doom bands.