Metal Underground.com

A covers album is an opportunity for a band to let their guard down and have a little bit of fun, showing off their influences and putting a spin on classic tunes. With the digital-only EP “The One Amongst The Weed Fields,” The Atlas Moth takes three memorable songs from the 60’s, and one hard rock/grunge number, and changes them to fit with their weighty sludge sound. The band seems confident and at ease with the psychedelic vibes, a nice counterpart to their suffocating debut album “A Glorified Piece of Blue Sky.”

Having tracks from The Doors and Pink Floyd on a cover album has become rudimentary at this point, but The Atlas Moth avoids the obvious cuts and digs deep into each band’s expansive catalog for hidden gems. “Five To One” accurately depicts the wild solos originally done by Robby Krieger and replaces Jim Morrison’s soulful whimper with piercing screeches. It’s takes a little bit getting used to, though they fit well with the heavier approach. Abandoning the acoustic guitars for something a little more electric gives new life to “Fearless,” which features an extended jam at the end.

The most surprising cover is the faithful rendition of “California Dreamin’.” With a slow pace and bleak atmosphere to match the dark lyrics, the harsh/clean vocal contrast is effective and brings in new dynamics to an old hit. A harmonic guitar solo takes the place of the flute solo from the original version, fitting in like it was meant to be there all along. Failure’s “Golden” is the only predictable track, matching the tone of the original, but lacking the extra effort to make it their own like everything else on the album.

“The One Amongst The Weed Fields” is an eccentric covers album that shows the band’s love for 60’s progressive and flower rock, as well as obscure 90’s grunge bands. Each song is handled with care and is given a makeover to suit the band’s style, while showing the improved musicianship of each band member. The EP is a nice placeholder until the new album comes out. An interesting discussion to come of “The One Amongst The Weed Fields” is whether this is a one-off release or a sign of things to come from the band's sophomore album.