Quebec stoner rockers Floating Widget will endure more than their fair share of Kyuss comparisons with their debut disc, Praises to the Riff Monolith. But what stoner rock band doesn�t? It�s almost a right of passage to have to differentiate your band from Kyuss in some unique and fundamental way. Floating Widget manage that mainly on the strength of lead vocalist Olivier Comtois� unique harsh timbre and his unorthodox phrasing of the cryptic lyrics contained throughout the disc. Comtois has a more expressive range and a greater dedication to making the vocals work in the context of the music. he brooding intensity found in the axe work of guitarists Alexandre Leclerc and Stephane Vigeant is of tasteful chaos and tight arrangements found throughout the disc. Interesting arrangements, a satisfying amount of monster riffage, and a unique vocal style all combine to make this initial offering an impressive one from the Canadian five-piece.

Every city, state, region, or province in the world should have it's very own "King of Stoner Bands," and I think that Floating Widget must have Quebec pretty much covered. Fuzz guitars, thumping bass, pounding drums, and a vocalist who's high gravely voice is kind of like John Garcia meets the singer from The Quill. If power chords, catchy progressions, and riff-fests don't appeal to you, then steer clear of this one. If they do, then steer straight the fuck into it.

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