The Atlas Moth

The term "grower" is usually thought of to describe a man's sexual, umm, "performance." However, by the fourth listen to this Chicago, IL band's latest album (their first for Canada's Profound Lore), that term came to mind. If you didn't check out the Atlas Moth's 2009 debut, A Glorified Piece of Blue Sky, or happened to witness their intense live performance, you might be a bit stumped upon first listens to An Ache for the Distance. The quintet successfully and quite beautifully meld hints of black metal, sludge and American doom with a Chicago blues-like sensibility, but, occasionally, like on "Holes in the Desert," they can meander, as there seems to be no middle or end. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the harsh growls of guitarist Dave Kush, while an added instrument adding some much-needed texture, at times, are unnecessary. Main vocalist Stavros Giannopoulos shines on "Gemini," one of the best tracks on the album. While it might take a few listens to soak up the band's talent and originality, it's worth it.