""Underwhelmed" is one of those releases that do not live up to their titles. I certainly do no feel underwhelmed when I listen to this EP, because it rocks. It rocks hard and it rocks good.
Stylistically, Spit Rusty have a broad reach and in the course of the four tracks of the EP, they manage to bring into the picture classic hard rock, traditional metal, sludge metal, groove metal, alternative metal & rock, Aerosmith-inspired funkiness, Paradise Lost-esque gothic metal/rock among other things. So, the release is definitely very varied, but, at the same time, it is also solidly coherent, never losing its focus.
The musicianship is top notch and rock solid (I would have loved some guitar solos though) with focus on riffage and catchy melodies. I particularly like vocalist Martin Arthur's voice which is unique and difficult to pinpoint - his singing might be an acquired taste to some, but it clicked with me immediately. He definitely adds a dimension of originality to the release.
"Underwhelmed" is a solid and varied hard rock release which should appeal to fans of both hard rock and traditional metal - in any case, it did not leave me underwhelmed.
...oh, and here's a challenge: can you spot the Jew's harp?
(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"
