EP REVIEW: Past Human Minds – Summon King Sykes

A slab of chunky, fuzzed-up stoner rock can’t ever do you wrong. Copenhagen’s SUMMON KING SYKES deliver a thunderously good example of what you can do with a solid formula and a dusting of ingenuity. Their new EP Past Human Minds is a buzzing set of songs that really reinvigorates any love for fuzz rock.

Overall, Past Human Minds has some lovely dynamics between the bass levels and the lead work. Tonally there’s obviously going to be a huge amount of stomping and thumping, but the four-piece don’t rest on the assumption their audience are in it for one good riff; they keep the listener on their toes. Opener Ask The Goner was definitely the right choice to lead the listener into this record; it’s a blast of solid fuzz rock that instantly lets you know what big psychedelic sounds you’re in for.

Just when you think you’ve got it locked in, things will change up. There’s a desert rock feel to Quest Of Pelts, a sleaze and sway to the psychedelic edge that feels wild and slightly on the precipice of madness. Hypnotize drops in a totally different kind of psychedelic sound; a trembling chorus lead immediately sets you on edge for this doomy, spiritually charged mind bend. It’s less intense in terms of tone, but so much denser and crunchier. The stabs in the latter third really aid the choppy sense of suspense and attack.

Ambush is quintessential big riff fuzz rock. A long, confident movement, it would be a crying shame if this one isn’t acclaimed for its nods to classic heavy metal. There’s also plenty of eerier sounds on offer too, with Seism’s harmonising vocals, quiet enchanting opening and bombastic central melody. It’s unsettling and badass in equal measure, toeing the line between folk and doom in a very appreciative understanding of both genres. The opportunity to make music that feels both mystically engaged and sonically satisfying has truly been seized here, and SUMMON KING SYKES do themselves huge service with this massive final tune.

A massively enjoyable listen, SUMMON KING SYKES should be on any lover of doom, psychedelia, and fuzz rock’s radar. If you’re wanting a quintessential example of how good the genre can be, Past Human Minds is a go to this summer.

Rating: 7/10

Past Human Minds is out now via self-release.

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