New Zealand groovy stoner rock trio Infinity Ritual will release a new four-track EP simply named “II” on Friday, November 3rd on vinyl and digital download.
The new EP was recorded and mixed by studio wizard Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace in Oakura, mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Mastering, and sees the Taranaki trio delivering their trademark sound, a groovy wall of doom, merged with solid doses of rock and stoner rock.
The recording process for the EP started with drums alone, with no click tracks or accompanying guides from any other instruments or vocals – it is simply Mark Thomas playing the tracks from memory from start to finish by himself. It was a new approach for Rhythm Ace’s studio maestro Sam Johnson, as he had to wait for the layers to be added over subsequent sessions to discover what the song was going to become. Infinity Ritual always bring to Rhythm Ace studios a range of different guitar and bass amps and heads, all turned up to a wall rattling volume, and they make use of a range of varied techniques to capture different tones and effects. A blend of all of these give the band their heavy full sound.
The band offers the following analysis of the songs featured in this new EP: Once again “II” showcases Adam’s very distinctive voice, at the forefront on “Earthdriver” and “Deceivers”. On this EP you will hear Jason’s vocal growl bursting through on “Succession” and “Stones”. Mark is hidden there in a couple of places too.
The track “FCG (Intro)” only appears on the vinyl edition of the “II” EP, as an extended intro to the song Succession, which was originally developed under the working title “Ford Cap Guy” – this moniker refers to long term band supporter Alex Bool who is never seen without his customary “Ford” cap. You’ll regularly find Ford Cap Guy at local shows, beer in hand and yelling “Comoooooonn!” – it was a perfect fit to have Alex drop into the studio and provide his signature yell to help kick off the record. He even has his own dedicated Facebook page – “Ford Cap Guy”.
Line-Up:
Adam Colless – Guitars, Vocals, Moog, Piano
Jason Karam – Bass, Vocals, Moog, Mellotron
Mark Thomas – Drums, Percussion