BLACK MASTIFF Release ‘LOSER DELUSIONS’

1 min read

Loser Delusions is the third full length album released by the stoner rockers, Black Mastiff. These friends have been playing music together for almost ten years. Clay Shea (Bass), Allan Harding (Drums), and Bob Yiannakoulias (Guitar/ Vocals). 

Loser Delusions, is a follow-up from their 2015 strong release Music Machine. I really enjoyed Music Machine, and was hoping for another solid outing in Loser Delusions. I was mildly disappointed that this release didn’t have the same “jam” feel to it. The songs are a bit shorter and without the same dramatic feel. My guess would be, that as happens with most jam bands, they have trouble recreating their studio sound when on tour. If that is the case, then I applaud and respect these guys for learning and adapting. This LP has a feel to it that they should be able to more easily repeat on the road. I thoroughly enjoyed the sound and structure of this album. At times it feels like Yiannakoulias is channeling his inner Ozzy Osbourne/Robert Plant hybrid. His vocals are unique sounding but also very clear. I can understand every word. The guitar riffs are memorable and a few of the choruses are quite catchy. “A Tangle” has a particularly neat riff with a beguiling wail. “Other Kinds” has an uncommon, interesting tempo that is very pleasant to the ear. “Spastic Rhythms” and “Star Base 77” have a quirky downbeat that make them two of the best tracks on here. The final track, “Stranger”, is so good that I was longing for the extended jam version. 

If this is the first Black Mastiff LP that you listen to, you will think this is a solid record, and a good representation of the stoner rock genre. However, if you are a fan of their release from 4 years ago, then you may feel that Loser Delusions is missing that extra spark that made Music Machine so enjoyable. 

Deep in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, you’ll find this guy, rocking out at his favorite campground. When not hosting a game of trivia at the famous “Cow Palace,” you’ll find him riding the nature trails in his custom golf cart, listening to music as diverse as Aerosmith, Cream and Pink Floyd, to Jane’s Addiction and Lenny Kravitz. It’s true, he probably shouldn’t be driving so fast with Parkinson’s Disease, but don’t tell him that. He’s been moving and shaking (get it??) to his own beat ever since he snuck out at age 15 to see George Thorogood & The Destroyers. So...if you find yourself lost in the woods some cold night, and hear the mournful sounds of “Folsom Prison Blues” echoing through the trees, make your way to the source. You’ll find a roaring campfire beside a gazebo. Pull up a camp stool and sit next to the guy with the cane. You’ll soon realize that’s not Johnny Cash he’s playing. That would be “Small Town Titans”, and he’d love to tell you about them! Stay awhile. Let’s talk music...

Leave a Reply

Previous Story

DAN KINCAID Releases ‘PERSONA NON GRATA’

Next Story

OZZY OSBOURNE Releases ‘ORDINARY MAN’

GoUp