First Impression: Earth Tongue – Great Haunting

I preordered Earth Tongue’s latest, Great Haunting, a few months ago. I’ve been looking forward to spinning this one.

I first became familiar with Earth Tongue when someone posted this video on Facebook years ago.

After that, I was in. So, now let’s journey through Great Haunting as I take it on the first spin.

Out of this Hell kicks off the album. They pump a great fuzzy retro sound on the start. I dig how the beat shifts halfway through for the funky synth sounding bridge. Love the double/dual sounding vocals as well.

Bodies Dissolve Tonight! comes in tight with a complimentary feel to Out of this Hell. The vocals mellow a tad, and it is still great and fitting for the vibe. Earth Tongue has an identifiable sound, and I love it.

Up next, we go into Nightmare. This has a nice trod starting off the song with a quick pause for guitar before busting back into it. A tinge of blues in the riff, and that’s just enough for me.I don’t think I could ever get tired of hearing the way they do the vocals, I just dig it!

Coming in with a bit more heft, The Mirror keeps on course. Then, the unexpected dream sequence rolls in, and that’s perfection! Very nice pivot point between parts, and I’m glad it’s not the only time. Great brief breakdown in the song too!

Grave Pressure closes out side A. This track kicks off with a quick drum fill. And, they use that to break up the song nicely throughout.

Kicking off side B is Miraculous Death. While it drops to one vocal, I still dig it. It’s always about what works for the song, and they know what they are doing. This one reminds me I missed my chance to see them when they were in Austin. Just wasn’t in the cards for me. I hope to get another chance. But back to Miraculous Death, great starter for the second side.

Sit Next to Satan has to be my favorite song title.  And, I love how the music stops just to state that. Great play between verses and chorus. And the nice, fuzzy retro sound continues.

After Satan, we get Reaper Returns. This one slows it down a bit in a heavy way. Something is coming for you based on the sound of this song. I’m waiting to be taken away, and Earth Tongue has been able to do it.

The Reluctant Host closes out the album. The host has come to escort towards the end, and I reluctantly am not ready. I’m content sitting here and drowning in the ghostly vocals. But, I am shown the exit. Good thing I can just start this journey over again!

If they were going for that 70s B-rated horror movie aesthetic, I think they nailed it on this whole album. I know I’ve mentioned the retro sound, but don’t get me wrong, they make it their own in a modern way.