Canada has always been one of my favorite countries when it comes to rock music. I don't know how they do it, it's probably in their drinking water or something, but there's something about the music of my fave Canucks (from old farts RUSH, THE BAND and FRANK MARINO to singer/songwriters like JONI MITCHELL and NEIL YOUNG to goofball rockers like MAX WEBSTER and GODDO to the amazing VOIVOD) that sets them apart from the rest of the rock world.

One of the most exciting records to come out of Canada recently was MADKING LUDWIG's self-titled debut last year. Two members of that band (drummer Raphael Corbeil and guitarist Stéphane Vigeant) are also in KARMADOZA. Their sound is slightly different from MADKING LUDWIG's prog-metal. KARMADOZA's straightahead riff rock sound is heavy enough to qualify as 'stonerrock' although musically they are closer to PJ HARVEY or a less dreamy THE GATHERING than your average KYUSS clone. This mainly due to the very catchy, almost 'poppy' song arrangements and Vicky Martel's voice. They even have the nerve to end this 5 track EP with a surprisingly listenable cover of THE TURTLES' "She'll Come Back". Overall this is quality hard rock but with a twist. Like we are used to from those wacky Canadians. Recommended for stoners looking for something more than 'just' those old SABBATH riffs again. A full length from this very promising band should be interesting.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/karmadoza

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