Loits Männikul

The Metal Observer (7,5/10)

Whilst patriotism has a habit of being portrayed as jingoistic triumphalism in many arenas, LOITS, on their “Must Album”, convey an altogether more personal vision, coloured by historical perspective (and to some extent, correction,). The result is a darker journey into the past and, accordingly, the future.

The Militant Flak 'n' Roll Machine oft times finds itself stumbling along, as if one of the tracks has slipped the wheels, there are times when LOITS still gun it but the military melancholy evokes two old soldiers musing over their memories, sat at a table in their own, and the day's, twilight. The Black Metal flag of convenience is still hoisted from time to time but the prevailing winds carry the sound of dismal tones that are moist eyed under the burden of the story-telling. What the dour emotion doesn't attempt is the diminishing of the strength of the LOITS sonic persuasion, in essence “Must Album” is forged from girders.

At times the morose melds with the mighty so that “Emaraud” proceeds with purpose, focussed and formidable despite the sombre tones, there's a howitzer punch to the riffs that provides a strength to the hard edged vocals, the cold snarl carries emphasis and the cheerless clean singing heightens the intimacy of the telling. Understated lead melodies add some colour to the harsh vista but it seems like a long coated trudge through some of the bleaker aspects of a nations past. The album benefits from a rolling bass that provides much of the substance and it helps to flatten a path along with the drums for when the guitars are feeling more reticent. Elsewhere the percussive pummel continues with the clout of a sock filled with pool balls, it's emphatic and has a martial discipline to it, often it reminds of a railway trucks clattering over the points and joints.

Melody plays its part on “Must Album,” it sets the tone for the recounting of trials and tribulations, as such the mood is solemn, you're hardly likely to break into a jig, though there are moments of clench-toothed groove that are darkened by the lugubrious disposition, something which the sporadic keyboard use adequately heightens. It has to be said that even when caught in the doldrums, there is often a sense of insistence, a clear defiance mostly emphasised by an increase in the energy of the drums. Perhaps the most fitting example of the Flak 'n' Roll descriptive is “Ei Kahetse Midagi” which possesses a throat grabber riff and kidney punching percussion, chuck in an acid flinger lead motif and you're definitely gobbing on life.

LOITS have balanced the more perambulating tracks with those that have some stomp to them, thus the ennui mixes with vigour and the character of the album shows more than one face. You could argue that there are aspects of Dark Metal within, probably unintentional, but the the impression remains. Even without resorting to reading the lyrics, it's clear that the subject matter is heart-felt and touches like the accordion accompaniment on “Surmarestoran” add a folkish element and thus authenticity.

“Must Album” engages both with its more spirited tracks and with the story telling of the slower ones, it is rich with emphasis on either count. Share in a history that you probably haven't heard of and see what you learn.