THE AMPLIFICATION OF SELF-GRATIFICATION ARE AMPLIFYING MY SELF-GRATIFICATION

Thanks to MetalSucks commenter Virtuvian Ape for turning us on to North Carolina band ...the Amplification of Self-Gratification. ASG, though similar to Tool on the surface (not that this is ever REALLY a bad thing), absolutely have their own sound — it’s kind like Maynard’s vocals and lush Tool production meet heavier QOTSA riffing with a poppier sensibility than either of those bands possess. The appropriately named “Gallop Song” on their MySpace page even feels Weezerish at times, but then they’ll go and surprise you with twin dueling harmonies. There’s definitely a tangible stoner element too. There are a lot of different influences here, and they all blend together to creatue a rich texture within really accessible songs.

Their MySpace has four songs that I’ve kept coming back to over the past couple of weeks — it’s time to step up and buy the CD.
-VN