Scorpion Child – Acid Roulette (Album Review)

Scorpion Child has a new record for your consideration. Acid Roulette is a searing slab of rock and a testament to guttural guitar riffs and biting vocals. For a fairly recent band, they have had their share of member turnover. And judging by the resulting record it’s been for the better. It’s replacing departing rhythm guitarist Tom Frank with organ player AJ Vincent that I find most impactful. Adding a keyboard player to a band known for not having one just seems like a horrible idea. But with Scorpion Child and Acid Roulette it works. With only singer Aryn and guitarist Chris Cowart returning for their sophomore effort, you have to wonder what the result will be.

The result is a very solid record. Stoner rock, Krautrock, Psychedelic Rock. Call it what you want. It’s heavy rock. Seeing them live I felt they were a cross between Soundgarden and Fu Manchu if that helps at all. Singer Aryn Black has that Robert Plant Golden God quality to him. I’m not sure how they recorded this record but Acid Roulette has a very analog quality to its sound. Which seems key to the Scorpion Child sound. The opening track “She Sings I Kill” has that early Soundgarden vibe I mentioned. An appropriate album opener as it puts to rest any trepidation fans may have with the recent lineup changes.

“My Woman In Black” is so good you’ll find yourself buying a pair of skin tight bell bottom jeans to go with that suede fringe vest you’ve been saving for the right occasion. The title track does an ample job of showing off new bassist Alec Pardon and organist AJ Vincent. The first 15 seconds of “Winter Side of Deranged” had me thinking I was listening to Led Zeppelin before tearing into full Child mode. I would rank Aryn among the elite young singers in rock. Listening to his voice has a certain oral gratification that is hard to do justice.

As for the rest of the record, “Seance” freaked me out a little. “Twilight Coven” made me wish I was at a Scorpion Child show. “Tower Grove” made me think the first lyric in any of their songs shouldn’t be “Hey” as once again images of a young Robert Plant filled my head as soon as I heard it. The album ends with the song “Addictions” which is somewhat appropriate because I found myself wanting more. It’s bands like Scorpion Child releasing records like Acid Roulette that give me the feeling that Rock is on the rise.

Scorpion Child may be an acquired taste as I found my appreciation for Acid Roulette expanding with each listen. I recommend you do the same. Nuclear Blast has a good one here. If you don’t know then check out the Child and buy this record.