ACID MAGUS
Hope Is Heavy MONGREL
South African psychedelic fuzz monsters expand and uplift
Hailing from South Africa, this self-described “garage doom on shrooms” outfit have hit new heights on their second album. Heaving with introspective and confessional lyrics just as heavy as its fuzzed-up riffs, the LP is centred on their search to find light in these dark days. It’s by turns more crushing and catchier than ever thanks to the addition of a second guitarist and a new singer who calls to mind Perry Farrell and Maynard James Keenan. The quintet might also have an underground hit on their hands with Dead Weight. Ruff Majik’s Johni Holiday lends his charismatic croon to the tune, and the hard rockminded number suggests the future is bright for these bruisers.