Low Fidelity: Red Fang Only Ghosts Review

Red Fang is a unique band, altogether heavy and catchy, slow and fast, taking influence everywhere from The Melvins to Mastodon. They have been digging their claws into the metal scene since they formed in Portland during 2005, and four records, some TV show appearances, and a Fred Armisen cameo later, they have returned with their most recent effort entitled “Only Ghosts.”

As soon as the speedy stoner metal of “Flies” kicks in, it is painfully apparent that this is Red Fang at their most furious, and at their catchiest. The punkish, sludgy chords are contrasted expertly with a catchy chorus that is sure to be a sing-along at coming shows. This trend continues throughout the record, which as a whole is a PBR drenched (watch any Red Fang video and you will see mountains upon mountains of empty cans of the stuff), riff-heavy, solo-happy beast.

However, with “Only Ghosts” Red Fang prove that they are not a one-trick-pony. Songs such as “Flames” showcase a reverb-heavy, more subtle, and generally more atmospheric side of the band. “I Am a Ghost” slows down the tempo and turns up the groove factor, creating an almost danceable, but still heavy and threatening slab of stoner metal. As it runs its course, the track builds and crashes down, throwing the listener into a groove-heavy sonic earthquake on par with greats such as Kyuss and Fu Manchu.

If you like Red Fang, you will like their latest record. If you do not like Red Fang, you should listen to it anyway, because it might just have you shredding air-guitar in your living room to the point where your family will actively worry about your mental health.