Photo: Mark Maryanovich
Alternative metal outfit Dopesick, the musical project of Adam Albright, unveils their new EP, Lifter, displaying an imaginative array of stylistic elements.
Albright’s life and career have been anything but boring. In 1995, he was part of the metal band Skinlab when he was arrested for marijuana, followed by serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence in Florida.
Albright explains, “I smoke to feel normal, for anxiety. If I don’t smoke, I don’t eat or sleep. I have OCD and I’m hyper, so it helps me function. I’ve been smoking weed since I was young, and it has always helped me.”
While incarcerated, Albright became familiar with the jargon ‘dopesick’ and ‘downfreak.’ Albright says, “I thought that when I got out, I would use that name.”
Dopesick released their debut EP, The Love and Terror Cult, in 2017, followed by their debut album, A Violent Happy Place, in 2019. Dopesick released a series of singles over the next three years, including “Summertime,” featuring H.R. of Bad Brains.
Signed to the rapidly growing indie label Wake Up! Music Rocks, founded by Pepper Gomez, Dopesick’s sound continues to evolve.
High points on Lifter include “No One Can Save You,” a potent alt-rock number traveling on powerful percussion, thick guitars, and a thrumming bassline. Albright’s vocals reveal his bravura, bold timbres. His incandescent, first-class guitar work injects the tune with scorching licks.
A personal favorite because of its punk dynamics, “Circles” pushes hard, embellished by tight, pounding drums and buzzsaw guitars. A bass-filled bridge introduces the solo section, where Albright parades his awing ability on his axe.
The title track merges rock and reggae, highlighted by skiffing guitars that expand to bluesy, talking textures. Another gem, an exquisitely finessed instrumental, “Walking In Traffic” exudes hints of Latin flavors, as well as subtle sensations of Celtic aromas. Initially controlled, the electric guitar solo launches into Eddie Van Halen-like flourishes, giving the tune flamboyant imagery.
Dopesick’s latest EP, Lifter, is jampacked with thrilling energy, catchy hooks, delightful impishness, and splendid vocals.
