ALBUM REVIEW: Home – Pyrogaric

The city of Newport has been a bustling port in the south of Wales since the medieval era. The first port of call as you cross the border from England, the city is certainly a vibrant one. In recent times it has become an unsung cultural focal point, with artists such as SKINDRED, DUB WAR, DESECRATION and even the infamous satirical rap group GOLDIE LOOKIN’ CHAIN coming from the city. Now, coming from the eerie banks of the River Usk are PYROGARIC, a psych-rock proto-doom duo that create warm and trippy atmospheres with earthy melodies and fuzzing riffs. 

The band released their debut EP Far Away in October 2022, which introduced the world to their hypnotic and enchanting sound. Bringing together proto-doom, psychedelic rock, blues and even a bit of folk, the duo of Keelan Powell (guitars) and Jamey-Leigh Butcher (drums, vocals) create vivid and mystical imagery inspired by powerfully enigmatic observations of, and experiences with, the world around them. 

The band’s debut album Home builds upon the robust foundations that Far Away laid down. PYROGARIC take their time to build their songs; the low tempo allows them to express a unique level of eeriness reminiscent of some of the occult rock bands of the 1970s. With layers of melody and bluesy chugs, Home certainly channels some of BLACK SABBATH’s darkness with the ethereal magic that seems to bountifully flow in Wales’ water. 

First and foremost, PYROGARIC have a ballad-esque approach to their songwriting; there is a gothic romance to each song. This is reinforced by the dramatic and emotive vocal performance from Butcher, who effortlessly weaves together layered melodies and harmonies most notably on Don’t Open The Door. The spacious riffs allow for maximum vocal expression and it is clear that PYROGARIC know the value of quiet moments in songs as it certainly makes things more impactful.

Home does feel like PYROGARIC are really beginning to refine their sound, which is allowing them to expand in BLOOD CEREMONY-esque style with the incorporation of the flute on title track Home. This has the potential to develop into something exciting should the band decide to venture down the 1970s proggy-folky route in future.

However, with that in mind, you do feel like the band are holding back for some reason. PYROGARIC are very good at deeply atmospheric songs, but on a few occasions you want them to let their guard down and go hell for leather. The closest you get to this is with songs such as the aforementioned Don’t Open The Door, Puppet, The Gliding Song and Critical Borders. This could be down to the constraints of being a duo and the ability to be able perform the songs live, which is more than understandable. But you can’t help this nagging feeling that there is something raw, powerful and primal bubbling under the surface of this band. 

The album opens with When I’m With You, which is a hypnotic track with an enigmatic narrative of a strange love, whether it is with something otherworldly or a particularly spellbinding human is hard to tell. Here Powell’s earthy blues riffs set the tone; thick and fuzzing, you can hear the valve amps working overtime and glowing red. Critical Borders picks up the energy with chunky groove and a bluesy chug riff. Here PYROGARIC start to settle into the album, beginning to unleash their power with a steady foot stomper. Persephone (and its alternative version at the end of the album) is a moving ballad to the unwilling wife of Hades and lady of the underworld. Lightly strummed chords and passionate vocals add a thought-provoking moment to the album. 

Don’t Open The Door is one of the standout tracks on the album, the eerie layered vocals and deep, doomy, groove-laden riff are incredibly catchy and provide a strong earworm for you long after the album has finished. Burn My Soul carries on in a similar fashion; slowing down the riff slightly, it is wonderfully hypnotic and trippy. Title track Home is the second standout song on the album; its strong BLOOD CEREMONY vibes really suit the band, as the soulful vocal delivery and folky melodies shine throughout. The Gliding Song is a foreboding and dark track that demonstrates perfectly PYROGARIC’s gothic ballad style, with both Powell and Butcher harmonising to create a powerful dual vocal over a gritty doom riff and haunting psychedelia. Puppet rounds out the main set of tracks with a strong flourish, Butcher showcasing her range and Powell unleashing his bluesy side in the solos. 

Home is a solid debut; it has plenty of wonderful 1970s proto-doom and PYROGARIC certainly know their genre. The duo have shown some great potential on this album, the only thing they need to do now is unleash it with full force upon the unexpecting crowds of Newport and the wider UK scene. 

Rating: 7/10

Home is set for release on 19th August via self-release.

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