Bison B.C.-Dark Ages (2010)

This is serviceable High On Fire style stoner sludge. It is thick, vicious, and aggressive, the riffs sounding like walls of magma descending upon the village. But it's a bit repetitive and you've heard it all before. Not bad, not great, not really my cup of tea.

Rating 6.5 out of 10

Big Business-Mind The Drift

This is one of the best albums of the first decade of the 21st century. The third full album by The Melvins better half is an overwhelming testament of the power and perseverance of heavy sludge rock. It is a magnificent lava of slow flowing riffs and smart, tuneful songs, drenched in analog warmth. It is one of the quintessential beardo/hipster statements. It's as crushing as it is fun. It's as ironic and quirky as any limp indy rock, but with all the power and glory that a guitar, bass and drums can muster. Am I gushing? I am. It's just fucking cool and you should listen to this and bow down and then get up and do something.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10