I don't know if you ever had the chance to come across a Relapse Records promo CD, but the US label does something I find nice and really helpful. On the back of each promo CD there is a section that mentions bands that sound similar to the specific band. The names mentioned on the back of this promo CD were more than tempting since bands like DOWN, EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR remain on my top list.

The band is based in Los Angeles, California, USA. They were formed in 1991, something that was quite a surprise for me, and have numerous releases under their belt (albums, split CD's, EP's etc). Their fifth full-length album and first through Relapse is surely something I didn't expect. You know, something like a pleasant surprise...

DO you want a band that will be groovy in a totally Stoner way, but it will also have the filth of Sludge? Do you want something that will be as close to GOATSNAKE and CROWBAR as it will be to BONGZILLA and WEEDEATER? 16 is the answer, a name simple and straightforward just like this band's music. Bridges To Burn is a bluesy Metal punch in your face with heavy as fuck riffing that is destined to play louder than hell! Thumbs up for the production, too, since I don't know who is responsible for this sound, but the guy managed to create something you could call polished dirt. Dirty enough to maintain the feeling, yet clear enough to have a pleasant and solid sound.

As someone said in his blog about this album, Hello Mr. 2009! Check out this shit! (just imagine his face while he was writing this). I guess that 2009 will be a bit more successful for 16, at least more successful than these guys expected, since such an album gives a nice push to the band. Way to go mates!