### 16: Deep cuts from dark clouds

#### 24/01/13 || gk

Formed in 1991, 16 is one of the earlier sludge metal bands to have come into existence. “Deep cuts from dark clouds” is the band’s sixth full length and second on the comeback trail. 2009’s comeback album, “Bridges to burn” was a heavy, groovy affair and this latest album is pretty much more of the same.

“Deep cuts from dark clouds” starts with the mid-paced groove of “Theme from Pillpopper” and things are off to a pretty good start. The song has a comfortable and welcoming feel to it that is heavy and bleak but also has enough groove to really engage the listener. Her little accident starts slow with a thick drum and bass opening but then progresses into a jagged riff fest that is all mostly mid-paced but constantly shifting in rhythm to great effect. Opium hook is another highlight on the album with a catchy opening groove that mutates smoothly into a lurching groove for the verse and a chorus that’s almost sing along in nature. The album closes with “Only photographs remain” which has a particularly tortured vocal performance and a hint of a melody. It’s a slightly new step for the band and one that works to close the album on a bleak and miserable note.

Overall though, this is a patchy effort. While “Opium hook”, “Only photographs remain” and “Her little accident” are as good as anything the band has done, there are a few songs that just fail to make any impression and feels like the band is going through the motions. It’s the rhythm section of bassist Tony Baumeister and new drummer Mateo Pinkerton that is at the top of its game and makes each song worth listening to. The bottom end is thick and the two really lock in for a groovy, heavy performance that is very engaging. Bobby Ferry’s guitar playing is basically more of the same and Chris Jerue sounds like it’s just another day at work except on album closer Only photographs remain which is the only point on “Deep cuts from dark clouds” where he sounds inspired.

Still, there’s enough good stuff here to warrant checking this out if you like the band or sludge metal in general. Just don’t expect to hear anything extraordinary.

- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: Relapse Records
- Website: 16 Facebook
- Band
- Chris Jerue: vocals
- Bobby Ferry: guitars
- Tony Baumeister: bass
- Mateo Pinkerton: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Theme from ‘Pillpopper’
- 02. Parasite
- 03. Her Little “Accident”
- 04. The Sad Clown
- 05. Ants in My Bloodstream
- 06. Broom Pusher
- 07. Opium Hook
- 08. Bowels of a Baby Killer
- 09. Beyond Fixable
- 10. Only Photographs Remain