OK, bear with me, dear reader. I'm at home, listening to a CD by some obscure Argentinian band I have never heard of. A CD that came with no press info whatsoever. And all the info on the CD is in Spanish, a language I do not speak. All this wouldn't be so bad if my internet connection wasn't busted. And meanwhile I have today’s deadline to deliver my reviews. Can you imagine the fun I'm having?

Ah well, forget the background info. What I can tell you from the cover is that SICK PORKY seem to hail from 'Argentina' and that they sing everything in (I presume) Spanish. The first three tracks are pretty good if you're into straight ahead stoner/riff rock. Think NEBULA, FU MANCHU or GONZALEZ and you'll get the idea. I've certainly heard worse in this genre. And just when I think that's all I'll be able to write about them along comes the fourth track "La Fuerza" and suddenly there seems to be somewhat more to these guys. It's a mellow psychedelic track with weird dub-like drumming and an almost trip-hoppy quality to it. Awesome! They manage to surprise me a couple of more times on the CD. My favorite track is called "Druida", with its gorgeous melody and weird harmony vocals. Although SICK PORKY definitely has things in common with the aforementioned bands they are clearly not interested in merely imitating their American cousins. For one, they are slightly more melodic than your average stoner band without becoming cheesy. Besides that, some of their songs have that slightly psychedelic touch. The best way to describe them is like an Argentinian cousin to Danish psych rockers ON TRIAL, only slightly heavier.

And then there's the language of course. Personally I don't have a problem with it. I even think it adds something of an 'exotic' touch to the music, even though I can't understand a word that's sung. Still, I hope that doesn't barr them from being heard outside of Argentina. They're too interesting a band for that.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/sickporkyrock

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