Worth checking out if you like your metal with a catchy punk ethic.
Generous Maria shake like a maraca full of nails. Short, sharp, punchy riffs with a fuzzy, stoner edge stick their chin out and over the top Florstrom sings like a less mangled combination of Iggy Pop and Lemmy. He can carry a tune but makes sure any melodies are roughed up a little so that it doesn't sound mainstream. The lyrics which are slightly dark, work as a contrast to some of the Glam feel of some of the metal here. This helps define Generous Maria's character.
It's five years since their 'Electricism' album and this is a fairly large stylistic change for the band as it's more commercial with influences of Soundgarden, Wolfmother and 70's glam. On previous outings the band were much more of a stoner outfit with obvious Queens Of The Stone Age influences. The band haven't said what's caused such a change of heart musically and it might alienate some who were interested in the band originally, but you sense the band are looking to broaden their appeal on this one, although their current grubby glam is still pretty niche and unlikely to rule the world.
'Got it All', 'Black Stone Heart' and 'Medication' all rock with a grubby feel, like a well-worn, unwashed leather jacket. It's all likeable although unlikely to transfix you, but if you like your metal with a catchy punk ethic then Generous Maria do have a scuzzy charm that might be worth checking out even if you've listened to the band in the past, because they've evolved into a new beast.
Duncan Jamieson
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