Follow the Wave

The debut single from the band formed by ex-Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Mar is a ditchwater-dull attempt to mine the same stoner-rock territory favoured by Queens Of The Stone Age, Kyuss et al. The feeling that Auf Der Mar is little more than a record exec’s wet-dream is strengthened by the Mel-centric vibe of the set-up; not only is the band’s name an obvious signifier of a personality-driven marketing blitz, there is also the singer’s appearance in Mills & Boon-style “ravished aunty” mode on the sleeve. Those looking for superior stoner-rock kicks are advised to check out Sleep’s monumental contribution to the Gummo soundtrack, ‘Dragonaut’. Regrettably, the band were a bunch of sweaty, dope-addled metal-heads and thus unlikely to appeal to randy teenage boys.