ninehertz

This is a truly authentic modern-day take on proto-metal. The Curse of Sahara, from Argentina, sound like an unearthed band from that fertile rock and blues scene of long-ago Britain, a record unearthed from the early 70s and given new light.

This is retro-blues rock, proto-metal, however you want to call it. Its realistic commitment to the long-gone era can be heard in its fibre and soul. The title track begins and sets the scene immediately, sweeping you into their world and bringing a smile to your face as its loose and free guitars get you moving.

There is a raw yet warm production that adds to the feel, uncaring for modern movements and completely cool as a result. On occasion it dirties itself with some fuzzed biker garage lines, elsewhere triggers brief psychedelic imagery. But this isn’t some doom band simply playing around with some old-time inflections.

Proof can be found, if in doubt, on Skid Raww which triggers recalls to Slade of all bands, and then on the superb Dontcha Feel It? (Quien Sabe) which is all swagger and strut with serious nods to the Rolling Stones.

The whole album has a relentless upbeat positivity, a clear sense they’re just having so much fun creating this music, aping their influences from many decades ago. It is infectious, making it a joy to listen to.