Review: “Dead Man Talking” by Hostile Tides

An instrumental quartet hailing from Kent who like nothing more than combining heavy driving riffs, dreamy melodies, thunderous percussion and rumbling bass, Hostile Tides are a band who formed after their previous projects in Metal, Punk and Wedding covers crossed paths. Citing influences in Queens of the Stone Age, Long Distance Calling and Russian Circles, the bands debut EP “Dead Man Talking” was recorded at Squarehead Studios with Chris Smith (The Fractal Skulls, Platypus Complex, Wax Machine) of Kluster Sounds. They promise emotively driven sounds from the darker side of the hill, which should in theory take us to the same place as the likes of Scuzz…

Opening cut “Sands” captures a sound that takes us in to a world of Karma To Burn and Kyuss with fuzz laden Stoner Metal riffs but it’s the bass lines which make all the difference. Unlike other bands where the guitars dominate, here the bass is brought further forward in the mix and its groovy sounds run through the very soul of these songs, helping them stand out in the best possible way. In the absence of vocals Hostile Tides captivate with their attention to detail, the band creating a sound that is constantly on the move with intricate moments and nuance driving the funky fusion that is “Rumour” with just that hint of a Muse influence in the underbelly. There isn’t a single one of these tracks that wouldn’t fit perfectly into an art house film score where music is used to underline the mood, something which is a testament to the quality of the bands musicianship.

On songs like “Adrift” the interplay between the musicians shines as the quartet explore possibilities, developing movements with tribal drum patterns and soaring guitar melodies, the bass on this one giving it a bit of pomp and circumstance. Pushing their boundaries “Pyramids” leaves behind warm fuzzy riffs for some cleaner sounds before bringing things back for a powerful crescendo, the composition having a wonderful flow to it with an upbeat energy that is uplifting. Arguably saving the best until last “Peaks” is the most soul stirring of this collection and by the end may have to staring into the middle distance wondering what you’ve just heard. The lead guitars are sumptuous, the mood thoughtful and it has to be said that Smith has nailed the mix. All in all a collection that speaks volumes without saying anything at all, which is kind of the whole point, isn’t it? [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Sands
2. Rumour
3. Adrift
4. Pyramids
5. Peaks

“Dead Man Talking” by Hostile Tides is out 10th August 2026 and is available over at bandcamp