One of the most curious aspects of Heavy Rock is the multitude of styles and genres that have developed over the years.  Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, Speed Metal, Doom Metal, Industrial, Celtic Metal, Alternative, Orchestral, Blues Rock, Southern Rock, and many more.  You get the point.  For me, I tend to gravitate toward the music that simply kicks ass regardless of what label someone gave it.  If it’s good, it’s good. 

Pennsylvania’s Crobot is good. Very Good. They’re a band that in some circles could be considered Stoner Rock.  Imagine Black Sabbath (considered by some as the original Stoner Rock Band), mixed with a bit of Sound Garden, intertwined with a sprinkle of STP, and a dab of Alice in Chains in the spirit of Clutch.  Crobot’s take on these influences is a high powered, fat, beefy style of music that equates to a funky kick to the teeth, that leaves you wanting more.

With their brand-new release Motherbrain, Brandon Yeagley (vocals, harmonica), Chris Bishop (guitar, vocals), and Dan Ryan (drums) who make up the core of the band, have put together a big leap forward from the band’s previous releases.  Lyrically, Crobot seem to have arrived in the now and are focusing on the burdens of everyday life, in a darker yet still accessible way. Musically they’ve found their way to become their heaviest yet.  Gargantuan plodding riffs provide the backbone to Yeagley’s powerful vocals in a way that’s just flat-out satisfying to your soul.  The chunky and funky “Keep me Down” is one of these gratifying tunes that makes your whole being smile.    

“Low Life”, their latest single from their 4th release, is probably their closest offering to an anthem on the album.  Taking aim at those who judge, the song is a vehicle for all of us to rally behind, asking the age-old question: “Who in the hell do you think you are”?  I see this as a perfect crowd pleaser and a staple at their shows for years to come. 

Perhaps the one song that identifies Crobot the most is “Destroyer”. A dreamy song in places that explodes into a massively imposing chorus that warns of the consequences of crossing the most powerful entity of all.  Your guess as to who that is.  Melodies are not lost on this band either, as “Drown” and “After Life” storm through your ears.  A steady meandering pace leads into an upbeat and precise chorus, showcasing the range of the band from melodic vocals to the Sabbath-like musical damage we’re all used to.

Crobot has skillfully assembled a groovy, filthy, in-your-face rock album in Motherbrain, which I think is so refreshing in today’s world.  This record does what any good rock album should do; it pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. Not just a single or two, but the entire album.  Like the good old days.  If you’re a fan of good solid heavy rock, I challenge you to spin this one just once.  

As always, rock on my friends!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  8.9 out of 10

Artist:  Crobot  LP: Motherbrain,   Release Date: Aug 23rd, 2019,  Label:  Mascot Label Group