It seems unfair to chastise Karma to Burn for something that was never their fault in the first place, but one cannot help but lament the turn their career took back when it first started, fifteen years ago. Their debut, self-titled, record is fondly remembered by some as one of the definitive stoner rock records. In reality however it was just a hint at what could have been. Having signed a big fat record contract, on the proviso of getting a vocalist, in order to release said debut record, the band recorded something that, whilst great, lacked the distinctive thunder of their instrumental releases since.
Recognising that error the band has come full circle. 'Karma to Burn - Slight Reprise' is that debut record, the way it was originally intended. Vocals are conspicuous by their absence and the trio are able to get on with what they do best. Armed with the sort of flattering groove based riffage that has rarely been perfected post-Kyuss, Karma to Burn are utterly unstoppable throughout much of this album. Particular highlights are sometimes hard to distinguish due to the numerical based track titling system the band has always favoured, but rest assured, there is no lack of excellent headbang-worthy material here.
Indeed, the only real problem with this record is that it can take a while for tracks to distinguish themselves. With the exception of 'Two Times', notable for Kyuss vocalist John Garcia’s vocal appearance, everything here is occasionally hard to identify as individual. The riffs are all there, but occasionally the song structuring means that it is hard to work out which ones you like best. Of course, criticising Karma to Burn for that is pernickety to say the least, but it may put some people who find vocal hooks easier to handle off. For them, the original version of this album will always be superior anyway, and more is the pity.
Far from being the pointless rehash that some may have been expecting, this 'Slight Reprise' proves itself a more than worthwhile exercise. This album sounds like the work of a band reinvigorated by finally having an opportunity to show the world what they wanted to show them all those years ago. It is certainly preferable to the lumbering disappointment that was last year’s 'V'. Karma to Burn have proven themselves one of the most entertaining instrumental bands around before now, but perhaps this proves their strengths better than anything else they have done.
'Karma to Burn - Slight Reprise' is out on Monday 17th September via Maybe Records.
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