British rock duo Wall, a side project from Desert Storm's Ryan and Elliot Cole, has released their debut album titled Brick by Brick. The album finds inspiration within a variety of genres including stoner doom, post-rock, and sludge, shaped by the music the brothers indulged in during the 2020 lockdown.
As the pandemic kept musicians from touring and collaborating, the Cole brothers sought refuge in their shared home, diving into the first six Black Sabbath albums alongside influential acts such as Elephant Tree, The Sword, and High On Fire. This led to a creative surge that culminated in the formation of Wall and the recording of Brick by Brick at Shonk/Warehouse Studios in Oxford.
The album showcases a collection of riff-heavy instrumentals that echo their influences, with the standout tracks like 'Wraith of the Serpent' and the lively groove of 'Legion.' While the album primarily features instrumental pieces, it does include covers of Black Sabbath’s ‘Electric Funeral’ and Karma to Burn’s 'Nineteen', marking the only instances of vocals throughout the project.
Despite its essence as a side project, Brick by Brick displays the duo's engaging songwriting and instrumental prowess. Tracks such as 'Masking My Contempt,' which draws parallels to cinema, and the intriguing title 'Fifty Donor Kebab On A Gut Full of Lager,' showcase their creativity and willingness to blend humor with heavy riffs.
With a rating of 7/10, Brick by Brick serves as more than just an endeavor for Desert Storm aficionados; it acts as a testament to the Cole brothers' potential to carve out their own niche within the stoner and doom metal landscape. Fans can explore the album via their Bandcamp page.
To read more about the album and its context, check out the full review at Noizze.
For additional insights on the project and the band’s background, visit Desert Storm.