"Groovy sexy Viking funk Doom rock" is what ALMOST HONEST refers to their sound as, and who am I to argue? It's as fair a representation and description as I could muster, and surprisingly accurate. The band calls New Cumberland, PA home and "Seiches And Sirens" is their third release and it's absolutely one of the most intriguing albums I've lain my hands onto this year. Musically there's a wealth of things happening here and those things change song to song, and often stanza to stanza. The band cites quite a variety of influences, which based on the twists and turns "Seiches And Sirens" takes musically, is a completely honest statement. CLUTCH, MASTADON, and KVELRTAK are all cited as favorites of the band, but I can't help but speculate as to a bit of PRIMUS and even jam band heroes MOE. being in their playlists.

The trio kicks off the shenanigans with "Fools Gold Flesh", Reid establishing a staccato riff centering the groovy, funky bass runs from Jackson.  This opening track does a superb job setting the table for the remainder of our journey through the album. "Keystone" sees Spangler dancing about his cymbals before providing a swinging rhythm that allows the guitar and bass to fill with a chugging train-like feel, with an unexpected Doom like breakdown following Reid's solo. "Interstellar Executive" begins like a cacophony before each instrument falls one by one into the song's main groove, and kicks in the door in a fabulous CLUTCH-like vibe. "Whale Bones" wastes absolutely no time, with an aggressive vocal portion kicking the song off immediately. At first listen, it seems an awkward beginning, but after a couple listens, I'll be damned if it doesn't completely work. In fact, "Whale Bones", quickly became my favorite track.

I have to admit that when glancing at the track listing, the track I was most interested by was "Dancing Shaman and the Psychedelic Cactus". I wasn't disappointed. The ability to make that title into a chorus is worth the price of the album itself. The fact that it's done as masterfully as it is priceless. "Stonecutter" really calls forth a PRIMUS feel for me, with imaginative lyrics presented by theatrical-like vocal portions, and an all out instrument attack. "Jenny Greenteeth" is the epic of "Seiches And Sirens" carrying the tale of the childhood threat in the "doomiest" vibe of the album.  "Call of the Mothman" relies on Spangler's thundering percussion to propel it towards it's melodic choruses, all while Reid and Jackson lay down their own respective heaviness. "Wiwadvhv" seems more determined to just rock and roll than much of the other tracks, but still manages to retain the spirit of the other tracks. "Uproot" concludes the journey with an off tempo blast of force that closes things out just as succinctly as "Fools Gold Flesh" began things.

 "Seiches And Sirens" creates the feel of an excursion into the deepest recesses of the bands creative process. Whether it's the clever song composition, or the lyrics of mythical dragon creatures, childhood fears, shaman and psychoactive cacti, ALMOST HONEST have presented a fun diversion to the real world here. It's music that's well played, and never too serious. Regardless of what kind of heavy music you're into, you'll find something here to like.