Swedish band GENEROUS MARIA was formed back in 1998, and following album releases in 2002 and 2006 respectively they got something of a reputation as a good quality stoner rock band. Following some years break as recording artists, the band released their third album “III” in 2013 on Swedish label Transubstans Records.
I’ll readily admit to being somewhat bewildered about where this band is at now in 2013. Some traces of stoner rock and grunge pops up here and there admittedly, first and foremost on Lack Of Faith (Revisited). But the core of their sound appears to have shifted markedly since they earned their reputation as a stoner rock ensemble.
Staccato riffs with references to garage rock and late 60’s bands such as The Who appears to be key elements for Generous Maria these days. Short and compact affairs, and especially the opening tracks on the album contains multiple references of this somewhat more simplistic, energetic style of hard rock. The riffs are darker, beefier and more modern sounding admittedly, and glam rock of the 70’s and glam metal of the 80’s are likely influences as well, but the core sound is one that has it’s origin in the late 1960’s.
The pumping bass guitar is one of the elements that indicates inspirations also from more recent music, and occasionally we’re treated to compositions with something of an indie rock or alternative rock sheen to them as well. While final track Wasted Days sounds like a blend of The Who and Soundgarden. Occasional electronic effects and symphonic textures another slight confusing detail in the overall context.
Topping this whole thing up is the vocals of Göran Florström, his raspy, subtly snarly vocals reminding me of Alice Cooper and Bon Scott both, without really sounding like either of them. He has a powerful delivery that does suit this type of music remarkably well I might add, a solid vocalist for this energetic, compact hard rock sound.
Summarizing this latest album by Generous Maria isn’t the easiest of tasks. But solid, compact hard rock is a description that fits all the tracks, and the majority of them fits a description as energetic and brief affairs too. If that sounds interesting, and you enjoy a band that incorporates elements stretching over several decades in their sound but with an arguable origin that can be traced back to the late 60’s and bands such as The Who, this production is one that you most likely should check out further.
My rating: 77/100
