7/10

Over the last few years, guitarist and producer Sam Grant has been a staple in creating the sound behind Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. The notorious psych-punk outfit have built a reputation for broad and distinctive rhythms that captivate and intrigue as often as possible. But now Grant is looking to pursue his own solo venture, something that instantly feels at odds with what he has been focused on the last decade. And so he launches his new project Rubber Oh with the debut studio album 'Strange Craft', a record that sees him explore a richer multitude of ideas.

While his involvement with Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs is obviously the big draw towards Rubber Oh, the two outfits could not be further apart. Throughout this new collection, we see him explore a diverse array of textures and tones. Everything from psychedelic electronica to atmospheric post-rock seems to get a nod on this wildly eclectic endeavour as the frontman largely takes long steps away from the microphone, allowing his inventive compositions to take root. The result is a brilliantly fresh and rousing release, brimming with experimental tendencies and comforting auras from start to finish.

The goal behind the Rubber Oh project was to give his usual space a different sound, and we has certainly achieved that with 'Strange Craft'. Exploring a rich and ambient direction throughout, this new release makes for a bold and fascinating listen that rarely falters as it plays.