SOLID SQUEEL’S “MAMMOTH” STOMPS THE ROOM FLAT

The Stavanger band’s latest single hits with progressive-hard-rock muscle, then keeps mutating before the dust settles

I hear Mammoth as Solid Squeel turning pressure into muscle. The riff arrives with bruising confidence, but what stays with me is the way the song keeps shifting under its own weight, like it knows heaviness is more convincing when it feels alive. I love how the production leaves enough air for each hit to land, then tightens the screws when the chorus opens up. It feels lived-in, and that makes every turn matter. I came away mesmerized with their intent, grit, and real momentum right now.

INTERVIEW

What was the first spark for “Mammoth”: the riff, the title, or the mood?

The riff was the first spark of the creation of mammoth. Though the title was not far behind. The powerful sound was massive like a mammoth and hairy like a sack.

The song feels heavy but mobile. How did you keep it from becoming static?

By keeping everything in motion mold could not grab hold and deteriorate the melody. Trapping it in a airtight box will keep the song fresh longer.

Did the structure of the single change a lot between the first demo and the final version?

Only a few parts were cut or extended to accommodate the vocalist who has problems keeping things short.

What part of “Mammoth” best represents where Solid Squeel are right now?

The sludgy part of the song best represents the current Solid Squeel through heavy riffs and angry vocals.

Was there a specific lyric or line that unlocked the whole track?

The first chorus opened up the landscape for the rest of the song and the view was stunning.

How much of the song was built in the studio versus already defined before recording?

The song was written and arranged on our own. Most studios will not let us record because we have no money, fame or talent.

Did you aim for something more crushing, more melodic, or more unpredictable from the start?

No plan, only working through and feeling out the result. Then we argue about the beat for an hour before figuring out that we were in agreement all along. Harmony at its finest. We hoped to combine heaviness with a melody.

What do you hope listeners hear beneath the weight of the single?

We hope people think of the mammoth and its tragic demise from our world. We also hope that people re-remember how to use their blinkers on their cars going forward, and backwards.

What's next for Solid Squeel?

This is the first of a total of four singles we have coming this year, the last being released in august. The first song (Mammoth) is the least proggy of the four. Our next single, named Malaphoria, is coming out on July 3rd, just to stay ahead of the National Day of the USA, so that the yanks don't steal our thunder.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Solid Squeel on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist