The Netherlands – Gato Au Chocolat EP

The Netherlands are a three piece band which pulls from 40 plus years of metal / psychedelic / progressive rock tradition while integrating a tongue in cheek element that is unlike that of similar bands like Panther Tracks in that it comes across as a bit subtler. The band is made up of musicians who’ve worked with acts such as Cibo Matto, Daniel Johnston, and Silver Rockets and for this project take on mantels which have more in common with 70s arena dark glam such as Alice Cooper and Kiss while playing music which calls to mind Dio era Sabbath or Electric Wizard mixed with more outré bands such as Melt Banana or sludge like Big Business.

The four tracks on this album are diverse enough that it seems like they’re trying to play around with their influences rather than provide a singular artistic vision around which the tracks would gel.

“Warleola!” Opens the EP providing a short chunk of pre-Hair Metal / Thrash separation recalling Van Halen in a party down mood. “The Gogo Dancer” is a wall of stoner / sludge fuzz with a repeating refrain imploring the subject of the song “take it off / take it off”. “Gato Au Chocolat” is three and a half minutes of slow moving psychotidelica distortion that morphs into a fast blast of double time along the same musical themes. “Six Things, Plus Two” is punk guitar and structure recalling the more inventive of post hardcore music paired with the nonsensical vocal inflections of Melt Banana.

A quick look through iTunes (the only place I could see to get their music unless you’re lucky enough to see them live and get a CD) seems like they have recorded about a full album’s worth of material but have only released it in the form of three EPs. I’m going to inquire if there’s a better way to get this music because the YouTube video for songs such as Cocainne Knightz look like there is a wealth of creativity and more importantly, fun to be had with this band.

Seriously, check it out.