PARIAH – Mirage

(S/R - 2016)

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Swiss four-piece Pariah came to being back in 2011 as the result of a creative jam sessions between the members that would make up their ranks.

 

Slick swirly stoner/alternative/progressive rock sounds collide on the resultant debut album finally delivered five years down the line with dynamic thrust and enthusiasm over pretence. Still quite solo friendly, as one listen to the lengthy lead break on the opening title track might testify, everything is in evenly measured doses on 'Mirage'. Set to an Orange Goblin/Nirvana/Soundgarden/Bush shaped frame they take a big tilt towards seventies classic rock titans such as Deep Purple and Jethro Tull on scattered occasions.

 

Wiring heavy rock and grunge into a tight mesh, likely live favourites include 'Sun', 'Owlhunter', 'Among Us', 'The Pledge' and 'Gringo' while 'Hunger' is a pleasant ballad that breaks the album in two without ruining it before allowing you to resume. Made to class by a band featuring two sets of brothers - a sworn rarity in the rock n'roll industry - 'Mirage' is a meaty condition of contemporary and old age rock which rumbles and sails evenly through your speakers.

 

A promised treat by another European machine within this thriving subgenre.

 

8/10

 

By Dave Attrill