Ole English Offer Fresh Take On Traditional Stoner-Doom

Louisiana is experiencing a renaissance of sorts in the heavy underground – especially as it concerns doom metal and stoner rock bands. Whether we’re talking sensational acts like Forming The Void, Space Metal, White Light Cemetery, or WOORMS, the Bayou State is busily birthing its next generation Crowbars, Eyehategods, Thous, and Acid Baths. Before us is another impressive newcomer to the scene: OLE ENGLISH, a rambunctious four-member crew nestled deep within Cajun country.

“Bowing before an altar of lore, doom-laden riffs and malevolent presence,” the band’s charter tells us, “Warlock stoner rock outfit Ole English seeks to keep Black Masses a tradition. Preserving the lineage forged by dynasties such as Black Sabbath, Kyuss, The Sword and Soundgarden, the four-piece crusade in establishing themselves throughout the land of the riffian.” That’s enough to get a hearty hellll yeah from me!

Each song on their debut, ‘Ole English’ (2019), presents us with a slice of life that could very well be contemporary, but are actually character sketches from Medieval society. What draws the band to this time period is unclear – perhaps the attraction of simpler times, or maybe just the rich thematic material that this era of history yields. Then again, you can’t help but notice the parallels between then and now, and if you like you can approach each song with this double-meaning in view (I’m sure Ole English won’t mind).

“Paladin” opens the album with gusto, as the knight trots on his horse for on some mission of conquest. It’s a spirited, up-tempo romp. “Old Man” follows and is more evenly paced, even bluesy. Whoever this elderly dude is, he’s got swagger. “Heel” is another stomper, with Nick Harvey’s vocals falling into the tradition of Sasquatch and Orange Goblin. “Visions of Ghana” is the proto-doom song of the album, if its length is any indication. Don’t let the pace fool you though; in its own way, it is one of the most urgent numbers of the EP.

The record spins to its end with “Holy Roller,” an off-kilter, slightly mad tune that touches on the desperation that leads people into extreme acts of religious devotion. I pick up a Roky Erickson and the Aliens vibe here and I couldn’t help thinking this would also make a good companion to Soundgarden’s “Holy Water.”

Ole English is a robust effort from Nick Harvey (vox/guitar), Lynden Segura (vox/guitar), Magnolia June (bass), and Austin Wood (drums) and I look forward to seeing how the band develops from here on out. Look for the big release on Friday, August 23rd (pre-order here).

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When it comes to subverting expectations, Ole English have got it down to a fine art. Even the very name – conjuring images of bards and paladins – clashes against the band’s hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, and the jigsaw-type lore they build their songs on. It’s with affection that they term their fuzzy, whiskey-soaked brand as ‘Warlock rock’, and the five songs on this self-titled jaunt are as composed as they are well-composed.

Each song brings the medieval to the modern age: the journeyman vibes of opener “Paladin” fit right in with the ride-until-you-die ethos of Kyuss et al; “Old Man” showcases Nick Harvey’s belting vocals in a heartfelt number not unlike Soundgarden’s repertoire; “Holy Roller” is a nod to the '70s vintage rock plied by Uncle Acid, Graveyard and the like. Plenty more influences come to the fore, from The Sword to Kingston Wall, but the ultimate takeaway from Ole English is a damn good night of rocking fun with 40 oz’s, a bit of herb, and story-telling that delves into all kinds of strange matter.

Such a strong early release out the gate will cement Ole English’s place in their hometown’s playlist for 2019, and the band already have their sights set on the road after a set of successful runs through the US – there are plenty more places in need of an Ole English Black Mass.