FALL TO EARTH E.P. - Ltd Edition 10" vinyl - Nasoni Records - (Cat no. Nasoni 083B & 083C)
BLACK VINYL: CLICK HERE
to order your copy!
RED VINYL: CLICK HERE
to order your copy from Nasoni Records - Alunah's copies have now sold out!!
Re-released, ltd to 400 (black), 100 (colour) & includes bonus track 'Halo'.
THE SOUND OF THE CATACOMBS - Catacomb Records (Cat no. COMB001)
Out now from all good record stores and from our store.
“Sound of The Catacombs” is the long-awaited 17 track stoner/doom compilation from the UK label Catacomb Records, featuring such bands as Abdullah, Gonga, Suns of Thunder, Obiat, bands with members of St. Vitus and Taint and a demo of 'Higher' by Alunah.
CLICK HERE TO order your copy!
REVIEWS OF ALUNAH / QUEEN ELEPHANTINE SPLIT 7"
HELLRIDE MUSIC (http://www.hellridemusic.com)
Here we are, a Bong Rock vinyl only double header issue featuring Alunah, a girlie-fronted heavy psyche/doom band from the UK and those wacky hypnodoom heshians from Hong Kong, Queen Elephantine.
Only fools and Hesh Rock reviewers make a judgment on a band based on a single song. So here we go. “Song Of The Sun” takes me back about 10 years to the Golden Age of UK-brewed Stoner Rock, back to the early days of Acrimony, Orange Goblin, Hangnail, Cathedral, et al. Bottom-heavy groove n’ riff, both engulfed in mountains of fuzz and wah pedal. And that’s what we get from Alunah, albeit fronted from what I hope is a female, whose voice is buoyed by rivers of reverb. If you called this “new” and/or “groundbreaking”, I’d have no choice but to hit you as hard as I could in an effort to stem your tide of nonsense. But if you said, “Chris, I really like this, I love the groove and the riffs they have going on here and can you get enough of that false ending??”, I’d slap your back in hearty agreement and ask you to buy me a beer.
Queen Elephantine’s “Mephistopheles” goes a blotter too far. My past listening experience with this band - and admittedly I’m relying on faulty wiring for memory - was a more subtle and hypnotic approach to psychedelia. On “Mephistopheles”, it sounds like they went all Al Jourgensen on us and locked themselves in a studio with just enough food, water and tabage to make a song. “Mephistopheles” reminds me of the path Electric Wizard took on the great “Supercoven/Burnout” EP… uninhibited drug-fueled music-making mayhem. Except then, the planets aligned and magic was made. Here, Queen Elephantine sounds like an undisciplined bunch of musicians trying to make music on drugs. Which may have been both the truth and the point, I don’t know. Not terrible, but not terribly impressive.
DAREDEVIL RECORDS (http://www.daredevilrecords.de/8.html)
This is the hand numbered (250 copies) purple split 7” from ALUNAH (England) and QUEEN ELEPHANTINE (Hong Kong/New York) out on one of my favourite labels CATACOMB RECORDS. And Alunah did again a huge job. SONG OF THE SUN is very impressing, some of you will know that band with the mighty vocals. The psychedelic Doom song is one of the best songs from Alunah so far and especially the vocals will went under your skin.
Queen Elephantine is more meditative Doom Metal. The band is actual from Hong Kong but are currently in New York City. But I will not find a way to their sound. It is not bad, but the hypnotic moments are not in my brain. The sound is weak and the vocals not really outstanding. Especially after the Alunah song a little disappointment! But for Stoner/Doom/Psychedelic fans a good 7”, for collectors too!
EARTHDOG PROMOTIONS (http://earthdogsvisionsofdoom.blogspot.com)
One track from each band and all on spectacular purple vinyl with awesome production, there is something special about bands like this on vinyl and both Alunah and Queen Elephantine are perfect specimens for the vinyl format. Its released on "Catacombs Records" which has quickly established as one of the best labels going around, the quality of the bands on the roster and the superb packaging they provide gives other labels a good run for their money.
Alunah's track "Song Of The Sun" is a stunning riff-tastic track with a exceptional vocal performance from singer "Sophie". She has developed a style all of her own, the sultry way she delivers the words are a perfect match for Alunah's psyche/stoner doom sound. The song is not only catchy but it sounds like a band that has finally found its feet showing some real depth to their performance of the track. The guitar sound is even thicker than what was on their first release and the drums kick louder than ever before, this is all pushed along but some huge production that is big but still retains a live feeling. "Alunah" has always had the potential to do a lot more than just another riff-happy doom band, they have some real songwriting ability that should take them a long way in the future.
Turn it over and you get something different, the track Queen Elephantine dish up is a drone/doom/psychedelic crossover called "Mephistopheles". Maybe its just the 7" format but this tune is a far more concise effort compared to album tracks they have done previously. It boasts middle eastern overtones while keep the fuzzy progressive meets psychedelia rock sound right there in your face. A complete contrast to Alunah as this tune doesn't have the usual traditional flow but after all that is one of the bands trademarks. One thing that stands out is "Mephistopheles" has a stronger melody that one is usually used to hearing from the band, its almost catchy. Putting these two bands together on a split 7" may seem a bit strange but both songs compliment each other really well. Limited copies available from Catacomb Records. 9/10
THE SLEEPING SHAMAN (www.thesleepingshaman.com)
So, Def Leppard's Hysteria took four years to arrive which, at the time, seemed a long time until Guns N Roses decided to raise the bar with 17 years between studio albums. That this release is approximately two years later than expected seems almost acceptable in comparison. To be fair both the bands and the label have been beset by problem after problem that has delayed this release but the wait is finally over and has been more than worth it.
Two tracks, one each on delicious purple vinyl…another tasty little release from Catacomb Records whose attention to quality would put a lot of the bigger players to shame. First up Alunah offer "Song of the Sun". Having seen the band play live countless times, this for me is always the highlight of their set. It's a riff filled extravaganza that boasts a sublime melody from vocalist Sophie. It has to be said that Sophie has come in for way more than her fair share of criticism for her vocals in the past but this release should silence the naysayers with a well aimed blow to the throat!!! This is a fantastic, confident and above all strong performance that sees her retain the breathy, sultry tones of previous releases but instils it with a greater depth and power than she has achieved before. Elsewhere the band sounds far happier in their skin. Dave Day's riffs are as catchy as ever and the overall production is lovely and thick with the drums kicking things along like never before. Alunah have the potential to rise above the masses and break out for one reason that most doom bands seem to miss…they can write songs, great songs and not just a bunch of down tuned riffs.
Flip this bad boy over and Queen Elephantine bring the drone with their offering "Mephistopheles". The jury is still out for me over Queen Elephantine in general. Their drone meets doom meets psychedelia meets tantric Eastern groove doesn't always sit so comfortably with me coming across as a little lacking in form and direction at times. That said, however, given the restrictions of the 7" format the guys have to reign in their excesses and have produced a song that borders on being, dare I say it, catchy!!! Granted it doesn't flow in a traditional structured way and does display a fuzzy approach to psychedelia with some lovely Asian overtones but the guys have created a tune with melody that floats along rather nicely. Whereas previous tracks I've heard here and there by this band haven't really inspired me to check them out any further, this song shows that there is something there worth deeper investigation. I'm not sure if the 7" format fully does these guys justice…or tracks on compilation albums which is my only previous exposure to them. I think it's likely that Queen Elephantine will shine on their full length releases or maybe in a live environment.
If you only buy this for the Alunah track it will be a more than worthwhile purchase with the added bonus of Queen Elephantine to complete the package. If you buy this for the Queen Elephantine track then you may well find a new favourite band in Alunah!!! Whatever reason you buy this for, just make sure you bloody well buy it…and quick as this is limited to 250 copies!!!
REVIEWS OF "FALL TO EARTH" EP
DEAF SPARROW ZINE (http://www.deafsparrow.com)
It’s hard to pass judgment considering this EP only has three songs, all of which clock in under seven minutes, but I’ll do my best. Having been a fan of Totem and The Devil’s Blood from the getgo, I am prone to like the music of this Birmingham quartet. It’s not only the formula; thick fuzzy stoner doom guitars groove mid-tempo and add a nice soothing wall of sound type backdrop to gorgeous female vocals.
These vocals are impeccably executed by Sophie. Yes, plain Sophie can drop lines like, ‘yeaahhh..I’ll always wanna be his woman’ and not make you queasy with her simple ample sweetness. Sophie has this way about her you see; she can sound like an innocent yet obsessed teenager that could sell you rotten apples but I can imagine her going apeshit and stretching those golden chords, but she doesn’t. She stays in character and so does her band.
Aluna (the band has since the release of this recording changed its name to Alunah) has this neat and tidy sound about it. There is something totally clean and orderly about this recording. Fall to Earth features a very polished production job where each instrument breaths nicely but that doesn’t detract from its strong points. First cut “Spend My Time” is groovy and mellow, a smooth smokeout of accessible doom. If this type of rocking was all that was known about the subgenre, doom would be the stuff of commercial radio and could be featured in Disney soundtracks.
Simplicity is key here. The music of Aluna is basic. The riffage boosts calmed waves of low sound, but that’s because the whole thing is so slowed down. Some of the guitar arrangements remind me of the bluesy moods of AC/DC, albeit with totally fat production and no revolutions. However, there is somethng that bothers me about this three-songer. The second track titled “Son Et Lumnaire” features the broken contrast of a moody passage and an unnaturally up tempo chorus. The combination of the two doesn’t work, but hey, I guess two out of three ain’t bad.
PLANET FUZZ (www.planetfuzz.net/)
Wow!... Acid king has a twin sister!!!
If you love Acid king and worship Black sabbath you will jump up and down from joy when you hear what Alunah has to offer on this three tracker!
This UK army of four fronted by female singer Olivia (Soph) is very hot indeed, it's like getting laid. On Alunah's debut ep 'Fall from earth' you get three reasons why you need to get this as soon as possible, heavy, fuzz laden, down tuned and sexy... yeeeeaaah yeeeeaaah!
I got amazed when the first track started to spin, the beautiful 'Spend my time' opened my heart and i fell in love with this band right away. Alunah's gift to the riff gods are superior, this is first class, basic and grinding riffings (which i adore) with a tasteful psychedelic mix of fuzz rock and doom. 'Fall to earth' is a love session from start to finish... simply once you're in it you're hooked. Please 'Show me how' you do this (last song) cause this is fabulous and this is definitely my favourite on this ep, i can't get enough of it and i'll keep spinning it over and over again, what a great start on this crusade toward the high mountains.
The band have played a lots of gigs since their birth in 2006 with magnitudes such as Orange goblin, Trouble, Paradise lost, Witchcraft, Doomraiser and Toner low. They have also being featured on various compilations and hopefully there is much more to come.
Good to know is that they changed their name in january this year to Alunah instead of Aluna which is their name on the ep. In other words, there is only one ALUNAH! Look out for Alunah's debut album in the end of 2009!
THE EVIL INQUISITION (www.evilinquisition.forumotion.net/)
If you are looking for irresistible music then you can't go far wrong with English female fronted doom band 'Alunah' and their latest tempting release 'Fall To Earth'. 'Alunah’ have the kind of vocal style that is so open and catchy that you find yourself picking up the lyrics in a real hurry and singing them along, yet despite all of this they never let their doom standards slip into main stream mediocrity!
That said 'Alunah' do have an almost charming style of girl rock sublime-ness that just gushes out of everything that they put their mind too and after just two tracks you will be forever hooked.
Speaking of hooks, 'Fall To Earth' have plenty of them from the down to earth and oddly sensual vocals to the grime smeared riff-age that grooves along majestically!
'Alunah' are simply stunning, when you want catchy soaring melodies, you got it! If you’re looking for deep and meaning full lyrics that sing a tune directly to your soul, you’re in luck. Plus if you just simply want to get stoned and head bang the night away then again 'Alunah' are for you.
Truly a band for all occasions this 'Birmingham' based doom pioneer are simply superb, words fail me. [9.5]
WINTER TORMENT WEBZINE (www.wintertormentzine.blogspot.com)
This is the new e.p from the U.K.'s Alunah. 3 songs with a nice variety and mix of traditional doom, blues and psychedlic rock. I usually am not a fan of this style but i must admit after listening to it for about the 3rd time it really is an enjoyable release. Alunah have done a good job of mixing doom, classic rock and the bands own talented ideas. This is a release that fans of traditional doom & classic rock will enjoy.
DOOM METAL ALLIANCE
Alunah (previous spelling was Aluna) was kind enough before to be involved with the DMA in the release of its second sampler. They were also kind enough to send me a copy of the album which I am more than happy to do a review of. Alunah is a four piece bluesy doom act from the UK. Recently, tons of bands have been using the 70's hard rock sound as their own, trying with much success to relive the best days of rock and roll history. Alunah while coming across as 70's rock revivalists, make it all sound so modern and fresh.
Their sound ultimately is the blues gone metal, but with the front man actually being a woman, something almost romantic is created in their sound. The Ep's opening track "Spend My Time" is a perfect example of this, as while heavy, the subject is rather lite as she sings of love hence the romantic aspect. Their is a taste of psychedelic rock in their sound, mainly found in their solo's which accentuates the bands over all sound perfectly.
The Ep is entiltled Fall to Earth. I like to think that the title of the Ep is a reference to being brought back down to earth. Stripping music down to the basics and starting from there, redefining heavy blues. This guys, is the band that will get your girlfriends digging doom metal, if they ever will. This Ep will impress anyone who loves low end grooves. You could think of them as a more bluesy version of Acid King.
FEMME METAL WEBZINE.COM
"Okay, first things first. The Psychedelic, Blues, Doom Metal band from the UK, Aluna has undergone a name change. As of January 1st 2009 the band will be known as Alunah. They have just issued their debut 3-song EP titled
Fall To Earth.
This 3-song collection begins with "Spend My Time". It has a pretty solid, heavy riff going throughout courtesy of guitarist Dave. Female singer Sophie has a unique understated, laid back approach (that is not a bad thing). The song remains pretty consistent throughout and also incorporates a bit of a dreamy vibe with the vocals and the music. Almost trance-like. Track number 2 is entitled "Son Et Luminaire" and of the three songs I would have to say that this is my favorite. It keeps the heaviness going. There is a lot going on in this track as it speeds up nearing the end. Very cool. From there the band segues into a very cool Sabbath-like heavy riff for the the final song "Show Me How". This is just a straight forward heavy rocker that never wavers throughout and is a perfect way to end things as the band really prove what they are about. Alunah are an interesting band that combines a number of influences to good effect.
The songs contained on Fall To Earth are indeed heavy and doomy sounding as the three songs and 16-minutes worth of music will attest to. Aluna are a band that is worthy of respect and fans of the psychedelic, blues, doom metal genre might want to give this band a listen. In browsing the bands web site, I actually became aware that they have done another demo and appeared on several compilation albums. If your choice in music falls in the doom metal genre, give Alunah a listen and support them."
STONER ROCK.COM
"They call themselves “psych blues doomsters,” but save for the Acid King-lite first half of “Son et Luminaire,” I’m not hearing that with England’s Aluna. What I’m getting most from this four-piece is your traditional stomp-thud rhythmic stoner rock. However, thanks to the sultry vocals of guitarist/singer Soph, “Spend My Time” and “Show Me How” – the other two tracks on this three song EP - rise about the typical. After all, you expect bands in this genre to wallow in excess distortion and rumbling bass lines, but to have them sound, well, sexy? That’s a nice change of pace. Not a bad start, and if they can inject a bit more dynamics into their songs, they may be on to something"
NINEHERTZ.CO.UK
"Ok, I'll admit it, generally speaking I despair of most modern rock music. My head is pretty firmly rooted in old school 70s rock. It's not that I don't want to like modern stuff, I listen to a lot of it to try and find something I can connect with... and simply fail in most cases. Aluna are one of the bands who reaffirm my faith that there are bands around that still have 'it'.
I know these guys have come in for as much criticism as acclaim but this EP is frankly fucking fantastic. Three tracks, no messing with quality riffs and beautiful melodies. These guys differ from so many bands today in that they know how to write a song... something so many bands seem to be at pains to avoid these days.
Opening track 'Spend My Time' sets out the Aluna stall in strident style with a riff and rhythm that brings to mind the 70s glam rock of T-Rex as much as it does St Vitus. There is an underlying groove here that makes my balls twitch!!!
Second track, 'Son Et Luminaire'(sic) is probably my least favourite rolling along on a more traditional style doom riff. That's not to say it isn't a great track in its own right, it's just not as good as the other two. It does, however, provide its own twists and turns when it shifts a gear and puts its foot down for a rock out ending complete with false stops and starts!!!
Final track 'Show Me How' ups the ante again with yet another great riff and a soaring melody. Through a huge PA this sound could be an anthem!!! The EP closes with a surprise reprise of 'Spend My Time'
So what makes this release so good? It's a combination of things. The riffs of Dave Day are up there with anyone around, he knows how to keep it simple, effective and catchy. The vocals of Soph Willet though are what set this band apart. Not the most powerful of vocalists but that works in the band's favour. The laid back style owes more to late 60s West Coast psychedelia than they do the majority of Ozzy aping doomsters or brutish growlers currently doing the rounds. This gives the whole thing an air of serenity and peace while still being heavy enough to keep most rockers shaking their tresses.
Topped off with a strong production that their earlier work lacked, this release shows Aluna making all the right moves... getting themselves out there, gigging and constantly improving. They're a young band and this good already, I can't wait to see what they sound like in five years!!!"
THE SLEEPING SHAMAN WEBZINE (www.sleepingshaman.com)
"If the only musical legacy the West Midlands ever left us was Black Sabbath they'd be doing pretty well in my book. The fact that they’ve also given us Judas Priest and half of Led Zeppelin means that their hard rocking credentials are firmly in place. It’s nice to see that there are bands still coming through aiming to take the last 40 years worth of sounds and drag them forward and Aluna are one of the bands currently spearheading this charge along with Sonic Lord, Godsize and I Am Colossus.
This is kind of hard to describe. Imagine St Vitus with a does of female hormones, or imagine a less shit version of Jefferson Airplane with more testosterone. Musically this takes the tried and tested doom formula of St Vitus and shoots it through with a knowing pop suss. Opening track "Spend My Time" tips a heavy handed nod towards old school glam like T Rex or Gary Glitter (before paedophilia became illegal), while "Son Et Lumiere" treads a more familiar doom path before running off with some stop-start boogie riffing. Final track "Show Me How" brings the pace back up with its anthemic crunch. Dave Day, also the riffmeister behind Sonic Lord, allows his more melodic side to shine through to huge effect. As with Sonic Lord the riffs are simple yet catchier than herpes in a Thai brothel. The real ace in the pack here are the vocals of Soph Willets. Admittedly these may be an acquired taste initially and have and will continue to divide opinion about the band. Anyone expecting a throaty Wino style roar or some Janis Joplin style guts may be disappointed as Soph counters the weight of the music with a laid back croon that brings to mind the mellow vibes of late 60’s West Coat psychedelia. On paper this may not look great but in the CD player this works. The blend of two disparate styles from the same era is a masterstroke…the Sabbath sound effectively killed the hippy dippy ethos but Aluna grab both and slam them together to create something fresh. What Soph may lack in balls out power she more than makes up for with a keen ear for a top melody. Get over your initial prejudices about her style and spin this a few times and you’ll be singing the yeah yeah parts of "Spend My Time" before you know it.
Aluna’s demo was dogged by a weak production that particularly affected the drums but I’m glad to say that this obstacle has been overcome this time round with a nice weight. My only slight criticism, and this may be at odds with what I’ve just been saying about the vocals, is that they are a little high and dry in the mix. I would have liked to have heard them backed off a little and sitting in with the music rather than on top of it but this is a minor criticism and certainly not a deal breaker.
Not only have Catacomb pulled off another top notch release but Nasoni Records in Germany will also be issuing this on 10" vinyl with a soon to be recorded bonus track…you lucky lucky bastards!!!"
KERRANG! MAGAZINE - ISSUE 11th June 2008
Ah yes, those in need of a fix of psychedelic blues doom with seductively sleazy female vocals need look no further than this Birmingham mob.
DAREDEVIL RECORDS (www.daredevilrecords.de)
"ALUNA from the West Midlands, UK formed in 2006 and after a great demo called Crystal Voyage in 2007, they are back with their first official EP via Catacomb Records. Aluna sounds like an 70..s band, they are really great and the guitar riffs of Dave Day will be in your head for days. The songs are really Doom highlights and you should check this band out! Especially the vocals from Ms. Soph Willet are so fucking cool and fit perfect to that music. They make that band special! Great guitar riffs, an awesome groove and the beautiful vocal melodies – awesome! The opener SPEND MY TIME is a masterpiece and sounds like some T-Rex glam Rock stuff or St. Vitus like Doom Metal, but the following SON ET LUMINAIRE is the highlight on that record. Starting slow and with a huge guitar riff, but turning into a faster ending part. SHOW ME HOW ends that record with another excellent Doom song. It is the best combination of Doom Metal, 70..s Glam Rock and female vocals so far! Believe me! Get this EP!"
RANDOM REVIEW ON PLAY.COM AND HMV.COM
"From the iron city that brought you stoner greats Black Sabbath comes psych blues doom band Aluna. With an impressive CV that boasts support slots with Trouble (fathers of Doom) Paradise Lost, Winnebago Deal, Winters, Toner Low and Taint to name just a few I was eager to find out if this band stood up to the hype surrounding them!! I wasn't wrong...so sit down relax turn your black light and lava lamp on and get ready to enter the electric plasmic eye! Fall To Earth is the first official release by the band and straight off the bat they totally do what they say on the tin....doom packed riffage with monster grooves...what sets Aluna apart from the rest is the addition of female vocals...soft siren-esque that totally draw the listener in.... I recommend this for any stoner / psychedellic / doom / southern rock fan"
LIVE REVIEWS
FALL TO EARTH TOUR - Birmingham Old Wharf
RYAN'S GIG GUIDE
"Bringing things down a notch, in speed only, was Aluna with its blonde chic on vocals and 70s rock guitar riffs. Now granted, doom metal is not everyone's JD, but rather than just a set of complaining and whining from the stage, Aluna displayed their craft against a back drop of old school strings and voiced with a seductive tone to rival Wendy James. Time was kept well, especially on tempo changes with tracks such as Spend My Time, and I felt more impressed than depressed by the end of this set, which is part of their 'Fall To Earth' tour" - Mel
TROUBLE / RISE TO ADDICTION / ALUNA - Wolves Civic Bar
RYAN'S GIG GUIDE
"Local metal band Aluna got things underway with a promising set of original material. This Sabbath inspired four-piece are fronted by a female vocalist whose singing style possessed shades of Budgie’s Burke Shelley. Aluna’s stoner fuelled metal had some interesting musical touches that work surprisingly well, such as the jaudicious use of the tambourine, which shimmered over their brooding riffs on occasion. Overall an enjoyable set from a band just starting out on it’s musical journey" - Zak
See the full review here...
TONER LOW / BERSERKOWITZ / ALUNA - The Red House, Sheffield
MONOFIOPIA (www.monofiopia.co.uk)
"One of the supports, Aluna, were also pretty good in a kind of psych/stoner/doom Orange Goblin/Goatsnake way and made up a little bit for the other two support bands which, while not bad, didn’t really work for me"
AWESOMEFEST W/ BATTLEWITCH / INVASION / SLUDGEFEAST / STORM THEORY / ARSNIK - The Junction, Bristol
NINEHERTZ
"In contrast to the local geography is Aluna. Undulating and pleasantly rolling, these Brum groove peddlers seem the perfect antithesis to the previous set's youthful exuberance. Pausing only to swig from a pint of some godawful looking concoction, the band's singer is the obvious focal point, adding a grand old set of lungs and some lady swagger - uncharacteristic to the desert rock genre - to the more characteristic sweaty fucking hairy dude aesthetic. Musically, a watertight performance. Hazy west coast psychedelia meets loping desert grooves meets a more traditional hard rock (go on, doom if you will, you devil) sound, native to the band's hometown. A bit of Jefferson Sabbath anyone?"
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