They’ve been grafting since their formation in late 2020, have already released the pleasing debut Where the End Meets the Beginning in September 2021 and are still probably unknown to most. Welcome to the sophomore record by Nottinghamshire’s Syncolima, comprising Josh Morgan (guitar/vocals), Chris ‘Stoff’ Daughton on bass and drummer Gazz Evans.
Wavelengths is a searing follow up full of that familiar groove-driven stoner rock that the band lovingly drenched all over their debut. Ten tracks spread over just shy of 40 minutes brings plenty to explore. A predictably frenetic start with the rampant “Beautifully Unsaid” and the simply titled “Riff”, both tracks that set out Syncolima in the space of eight minutes. Plenty of rough edges, but all working in the right direction and providing Wavelengths with the grit that’s essential for their signature sound.
The song writing is improved on Where the End Meets the Beginning, which is very much a compliment, just in case you were wondering. The space tripping “Communicide” diverts into the psychedelic avenues that we heard on “Laguna” on the debut. It’s expansive, progressive, yet pleasingly retrospective. Morgan’s vocals are earthy enough to bring proper gravitas to the songs, yet with a cleanness that fits perfectly with the band’s swirling style.
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The style changes from song to song, bringing one of the main appeals of the band. The contrast between the riff fest on “New Beginnings” and the more laid-back title track are evident, and work well off each other, providing the listener with interesting juxtapositions that really work. “Death of an Enemy” presents another change of tack, with some neat fuzzed up guitar-work that rages over the top of the flexing rhythms Stoff and Evans carve out.
Syncolima throw the songs at you in furious fashion. Most of them hover around the three-and-a-half-minute mark, which is ideal for their fast tempo tracks like “The Dregs” and “Down in the Muck Again”, both emphasising the killer elements that lurk within the band. “The Dregs” is a slamming smack to the back of the head, with a contemporary feel which is once more also steeped in the band’s wide influences. “Down in the Muck Again” has a combined grunge and blues flavour, with a catchy vibe that demands you dance to it, despite the obvious barbs in the lyrics which you can work out for yourself.
The final track “Pound of Flesh” brings the album to a melodic close, with another expansive and relaxed track which showcases the talent within the band. It’s got a beautiful drop in tempo which allows Morgan to throw out a delicious solo whilst Stoff’s bass runs alongside it.
Although it’s not a particularly long album, the timing is spot on. And once you’ve finished listening to it, the only thing to do is hit play and start all over again. A fine follow up from one of the UK’s most exciting underground bands.
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Wavelengths is out on April 14th
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