Hey Colossus Cuckoo Live Life Like Cuckoo

Ooof, here’s the chunky new offering from UK noise rockers Hey Colossus, reinvigorated by the addition of an ex-Part Chimp on drums and this time round opting for a more hi-fi approach to their sound, recording these tracks live to tape throughout 2012. The band mix heavy, churning, repetitive noise rock a la Unsane or Shit & Shine with distant swirling synths, tape loops and turntables as well as baglama saz for some mysterious eastern vibes, veering from testosterone-charged man rock to mystical kraut-psych ritualism.

This one seems more focused and riff-driven than their previous offerings, often bringing to mind the aforementioned Part Chimp or maybe ‘Pleaser’-era Harvey Milk. Often it feels like mid-’90s Melvins but with a hefty dose of Hawkwind psych-swoosh action. It’s a winning formula, making for their most engaging record in a while and proving once again that Hey-C are a force to be reckoned with on the UK noise rock scene. It’s heavy, hypnotically groovy and childishly snotty. Top marks!