First off, the packaging from this EP is pretty unique, though its bound to drive storage-o-phobes nuts: the CDEP comes in a LP sized sleeve, with the CD resting in the middle on a spinner and the inlay is an LP sized folding poster.

I just wish the music was as adventurous and creative as opposed so standard, if well done sludge/post rock.

Mostly culling from the expected Isis/Neurosis side of things with a bit of crust and sludge thrown in, Northless is competent, and for the first 3 long songs, this EP rumbles, lopes and ebbs with gruff shouts, atmospheric builds and mountainous crescendos that are par for the course. After the heaving opener “To the Lions”, “Scum of the Earth” delivers a pretty traditional acoustic build before erupting in a lurching typical post rock jaunt.  The 4 minute “Anti-Life” is a more jarring hardcore styled track before the EPs 10 minute standout  title track.

With a far more Southern/bluesy/stoner rock vibe a la Floodgate or Crowbar, “No Quarter For the Damaged” opens with a killer riff, and proceeds to groove and stagger for ten minutes including a pretty cool atmospheric section, subsequent climax and a piano backed bridge to close out the song and end the EP on a damn fine note that shows some promise for the band if they can continue to shed the post rock mimicry and develop thier own sound.

[Visit the band's website]

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