Monthly Archives: December 2021

Christmas Tat 2021

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In the continuing tradition of sharing some tacky Christmas baubles, here’s the single addition for 2021. Yes, just one new acquisition for the tree this year – I’ve really not seen as much silly, tacky nonsense on my limited travels recently. But fret not, this one’s a beauty!

Here we have a Christmas dinosaur: a bright blue triceratops adorned with sequins and jewels. What could be more festive than a dinosaur? Unless you’re an evolution denier, of course.

Whatever, I hope you like this latest addition to the Virtual Hot Tub Christmas tree.

Christmas dinosaur ball ball

And I’d also like to thank all the readers of my blog, the legendary Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub for your continued support. Please keep reading and let me know what you want to see in the year ahead.

Merry Christmas to all, and a wonderful New Year!

Cocktail Time: Absinthe

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Over the years of my adventures as a bounder and general ne’er-do-well, I have occasionally been known to frequent the more bohemian and hedonistic establishments to be found in town and city. Relaxing in the company of poets, artists and dancing girls, one finds the nerves relaxed and the mind expanded – particularly when imbibing the Green Fairy, la fée verte: absinthe.

Absinthe has a formidable reputation. It’s been made illegal in many countries in the past and has been blamed for murder and madness. But if we take things carefully, I’m sure we’ll be OK. Though potent, it’s not as intimidating as considered – and is very enjoyable when prepared correctly.

Preparing absinthe is in itself a ritual, and requires certain specifically designed items. The glass is usually ornate and stemmed, sometimes with a small reservoir at the bottom. The spoon is perforated or slotted.

I’m no expert, but the following steps explain the method I’ve found to prepare and enjoy this drink.

  • Pour approx 1 ounce of absinthe into the glass; some guides recommend turning the glass to allow the liquid to coat the lower area.
  • Place the absinthe spoon across the top of the glass (mine has a small ridge to keep it in place).
  • Place an ice cube on the spoon.
  • Slowly pour ice cold water over the ice cube so it flows into the glass, dissolving the ice cube – 4 to 5 ounces is recommended, but experiment to find your preferred taste (maybe not too much in one sitting, though).
  • Mix any ice cube into the liquid, it should turn cloudy (which is known as louche). You’re then ready to drink.

The liquorice taste of absinthe (or other similar spirits) is not something I wasn’t a fan of originally, but I’ve learned to like. The ritual of preparation – and the paraphernalia – as well as the history, adds a lot to the experience.

Absinthe is now widely available in the UK. The version in the photos is from Andorra, and slightly higher percentage than found on these shores at 85%…

Enjoy your drink, friends – but please treat absinthe with the respect it deserves and drink responsibly!

Ungraven/Slomatics – EP Review

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Ungraven/Slomatics – Split EP

Blackbow Records

Release date: 05/03/2021

Running time: 31 minutes

Review by: Alun Jones

8/10

How did you spend your time during the pandemic?  Did you learn a new language or a musical instrument?  Did you get out there running, hammering marathons and getting super fit?  Or, like most of us, did you hang on there by your finger nails, just about keeping it together and escaping the monotony?  Well luckily for us, these two bands – Ungraven and Slomatics – decided to put their talents to creative use and deliver some music to keep us all sane in these bizarre times.

This is one EP, two bands and six songs in total.  First off, we have Ungraven, who despite only being formed in 2019 feature musicians of fine pedigree: Jon Davis (Conan), David Ryley (Fudge Tunnel) and Tyler Hodges (Tuskar).   “Defeat the Object”, their first offering, features a reliably sturdy riff to nod your head to.  Next track, “Onwards She Rides to a Certain Death” comes galloping out of the gates like an armour covered battle horse – it’s no nimble dressage, more like a cavalry charge into a frenzied battle.  Ungraven’s final song, “Blackened Gates of Eternity”, has a grinding intensity that has an industrial feel.

Slomatics pick up the baton and start off with the brutally heavy, atmospheric “Kaan”, which seems to move sideways rather than forwards.  Slow and hefty, I’ve seen ox bow lakes form quicker than the pace of this monster.  “Proto Hag” follows a similar style, but you’ll be glad to learn that it’s even more intense.  Slomatics have been building their reputation for some years now, and these tracks confirm their prominence.  Their final song, “Monitors” – probably my favourite on the whole EP, though I feel bad singling out one track – only pushes their reputation further.  The music is almost trancelike, with a magnetic melodic element.

This split EP is dense and compelling.  Both Ungraven and Slomatics impress with their conviction and integrity.  The only down side is that 31 minutes just isn’t enough.  This is a very enjoyable starter, but it just makes me hunger for a full plate of whatever these two immense bands can serve up.  Please sir, can I have some more?

Check out Ungraven on Facebook and Bandcamp.

You can find Slomatics on the interweb, Bandcamp, Facebook and Twitter.

Visit Blackbow Records here or on Bandcamp.

This review was presented to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.