March 28, 2024
FAITH IN JANE and the ‘Axe to Oak’


An incredibly prolific band, “Axe to Oak” serves as Faith in Jane’s eighth studio album in their ten years as a band, the record delivering a curious ‘90s grunge element in their psych rock vibes. Packing seven extensive tracks into a dense forty-minute excursion, “Axe to Oak” was engineered by Greg Diener (Pale Divine, Beelzefuzz) in July 2021, mixed and mastered by Grimoire Records’ Noel Mueller at Tiny Castle in June 2022, and competed with artwork by Austyn Sullivan and layout by Mueller.

Faith in Jane were formed in 2008 by Dan Mize (guitar/vocals/lyrics), Brendan Winston (bass), and Alex Llewellyn (drums), who remain as the current lineup. Beginning as a punk rock band with a reggae influence, the members rediscovered their love for Black Sabbath, and over time, brought in more psychedelic and progressive elements to their sound, embracing improvisation as they soaked up the influence of bands such as King Crimson and Grateful Dead, as well as jazz legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Playing with bands such as Corrosion Of Conformity, The Obsessed, Eyehategod, Trouble, Conan, Captain Beyond, Earthride, Beelzefuzz, Pale Divine, and Caustic Casanova, their reputation has been steadily growing since they first arrived on the Maryland doom metal scene in 2012, where they are five-time veterans of the Maryland Doom Fest.

“Axe to Oak” features some of the tightest songs Faith In Jane have recorded, the product of two years spent refining unrecorded material and writing brand new songs; so many, in fact, that several songs recorded during the sessions have been set aside for future release. Their songwriting is more focused than ever, placing stronger emphasis on the vocals and lyrics while continuing to develop their trademark heavy rock sound. Menacing yet swinging riffs balance dread and boogie in the best Black Sabbath tradition; the rumbling bass groove that carries the songs has been enhanced by a fresh layer of fuzz; and bluesy, whiskey-soaked leads soar over everything like an eagle flying over their native Appalachians. The whole package is enhanced by their best production work to date.

Band Line-Up:
Dan Mize – guitar, vocals
Brendan Winston – bass
Alex Llewellyn – Drums

Read our review here.




Source link

About Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *