By: Scott Martin
Local Ottawa grunge powerhouse Klawfield returns with just under 10 minutes of non-stop attitude and explosive songwriting that is bursting at the seams with authenticity and passion.
Klawfield has been making waves throughout the Ottawa music scene with their personal brand of bombastic grunge-laced riffs and powder keg live performances that always leave a lasting impression. It’s clear that the members of Klawfield wanted to make sure that this same experience translated to streaming services; it’s safe to say that this goal was achieved tenfold.
Klawfield 2 is a four-song EP that functions as a four-level display of the range that the band has acquired.
We start things off with the relentless, driving track “Headache”. A fuzzed-out grunge tune that you cannot resist headbanging to: the drum track hits you like a semi-truck. Featuring a theatrical vocal performance by lead singer Eric Woodard, we are introduced to his vocals with an echoing amalgamation of laughter that flows into an aggressively delivered, nearly manic chorus.
The following song is called “Flyaway/Don’t Stay”. A two-minute powerhouse that exudes the same confident strut as songs from the late 90s grunge era. With massive guitar tones and thunderous drums, were given only a slight break from the full steam ahead delivery before diving into a shredding guitar solo that is absolutely dripping in fuzz. All of this comes to a close with Ryan Mcnabb’s bass and Beaudin Schnubb’s guitar playing off of each other beautifully.
Into the latter half of the EP, we have the undeniably groovy track “Rhinestone Snake”
Starting off with a hypnotic riff and Woodard’s enticing vocal performance, we are then thrown headfirst into the noise: an extremely tight yet explosive drum performance by Elias Corbett. The track itself feels like an auditory representation of a snake as it winds hypnotically into quiet, Alice in Chains-esque verses. Not to mention, another tasty solo just before the track closes out.
Finally, we find ourselves on the final track of the project. “FUQCK”
Immediately when the song begins, your mind is flooded with visions of circle pits forming as the feedback and fuzz begin to speed up before slamming back down into a groove so heavy that this EP should come with a neck brace.
Blending more of a punk sound into their typical grunge flair, the result is a song that will undoubtedly become the catalyst for some of the greatest mosh pits of the summer throughout Ottawa.
With their growing catalogue of music and ever-improving live shows, it’s undeniable that Klawfield is a force to be reckoned with. And with a hunger and drive that can be felt throughout all 9 minutes and 34 seconds of this EP, it’s clear that grunge is very much alive in Ottawa, and at its core, is Klawfield.