Memo to bands; if you are looking to get your music reviewed, instead of sending an email that reads, "Um, we're like looking for reviews and stuff", send a killer press kit to URHQ that pretty much tells us that we're gonna love the band before we even put the proverbial needle on the record.

That's exactly what happened when a mightily impressive promo pack from (the appropriately-named) Riff Records crashed into our mailbox, showcasing the obvious talents of Italian stoner rock crew Slowtorch.

Formed in Bolzano, Italy in 2004, Slowtorch cite, pretty much, the usual suspects as musical influences for a band of their ilk - Sabbath, Kyuss, Clutch - yet, once the shrink wrap is torn off and the cool-as artwork is perused, the sound that this excellent disc is emitting is anything but the sonic standard that you half expect to hear given the affection afforded the aforementioned outfits. While the guitars are set to stun - as if we'd accept anything less - there are also swathes of melody coursing throughout this release. The obvious comparison would be of an Alice In Chains variety - the hook of great second track '27' for example - but I actually hear more of some of the more metallic-edged bands who rode on the coattails of grunge; Gruntruck and My Sister's Machine come to mind at times.

The difference between Slowtorch and more generic stoner bands is frontman Matteo Meloni, who joined the band last year, whose gravel-gargling vocals, at times, remind me of Warrior Soul main man Kory Clarke. His recruitment to the band appears to have been a very smart move.

There is a more subtle secret track hidden at the close of this cool four-track EP, making it even more desirable to your ears and wallet. Buy it from the band at their impending UK dates with Bradford-based doomsters Gods Of Hellfire and the uber-approved South Wales bruisers Lifer on the aptly-titled Resistance Is Futile tour.

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