by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
There are a whole lot of covers tossed around these days. Many labels and buzzier bands use covers to run up their DSP numbers and to extend the ever shrinking album campaign. It’s fine, but most of it unnecessary. Then there’s BSCBR, aka Black Sabbath Cover Band Rehearsal, the utmost necessary Sabbath covers project comprised of Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Angel Deradoorian (Deradoorian), Greg Fox (Ex Eye), Brad Truax (Interpol), and Mick Barr (Krallice). To hear five impeccable and unique musicians covering one impeccable band is a real bong rattling joy. The collective released their debut, Master of Rehearsal, back in the Fall of 2020, covering both “Sweet Leaf” and “Fairies Wear Boots” and while it seemed a hazy gift for very much in-the-thick-of-the-pandemic world, it turns out that BSCBR rides once more. Two years later, they return with Master of Rehearsal Vol 2, a new 7” due out October 28th via Famous Class Records (Upchuck, Floating Room, Charles Moothart), capturing “Children of the Grave” and “Electric Funeral” in all their resin scented glory.
It’s great to hear musicians having fun. It’s even greater to hear them having fun with Black Sabbath songs. Everyone wins. Once again pulling from the Master of Reality catalog, the A-Side of BSCBR’s single goes to “Children of the Grave,” and the band come gliding out the gate as Greg Fox seems determined to give Bill Ward a run for his money (as if Ward has been given the short end of the stick enough, good grief). They steamroll the track with twin guitars courtesy of Zinner and Barr, unleashing an onslaught that ups the devilish ante of the original in brute force, because let’s face it, twice is nice. Deradoorian does a pretty spot on Ozzy, all homage and flattery, done masterfully. It was a ripper in 1971. It remains a ripper in 2022. Here’s hoping there’s some BSCBR tour dates to come.
