13 SABBATH INSPIRED TRACKS

FEATURING CHARLES BRADLEY’S CLASSIC COVER OF CHANGES SONS. .. RIVAL BORIS OBSESSED. SLEEP THE MOTORPSYCHO. WOLF PEOPLE & MORE

1 Cowboy Lovers Poor Lord

Spanish duo of F. Pascual (guitar/ vocals) and H. Bardisa (drums/vocals) began by collecting rock, punk, soul and psych vinyl and DJ-ing. Then they bought their own instruments and started Cowboy Lovers. Forming a “cosmic brotherhood” with British producer Liam Watson, they made their self-titled debut at his studio, Toe Rag. Spirited and raw, Poor Lord distils the drive of Sabbath classic Supernaut into one minute and 56 seconds of sonic euphoria. Available on: Cowboy Lovers (LBW)

2 Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats Mind Crawler

If Sabbath were the UK standardbearers of a new sound in the late ’60s, then their US counterparts were arguably The Stooges. Kevin Starrs’ shadowy Cambridge collective appear to have absorbed this kinetic transatlantic connection, their sound based on a fusion of latter’s percussive raunch and former’s riffheavy grooves. Indeed, Mind Crawler exemplifies that marriage of two key influences in an irresistible manner. Available on: Mind Control (RISE ABOVE)

3 Charles Bradley Changes

A former James Brown impersonator, 68-year-old soul singer Charles Bradley was not familiar with Black Sabbath when his musical director, Tom Brenneck, presented him with this reflective 1972 classic. Bradley was in the process of losing his mother at the time. Having been estranged from her for large parts of his life, this tune became a poignant hymn to her passing, Bradley reflecting particularly on “her last goodbyes” and the passage of time itself. Available on: Changes (DAPTONE)

4 Wolf People Ninth Night

Fusing folk tales with hard, agrarian rock, Wolf People’s third LP, Ruins, is influenced by a cult Scottish outfit, Iron Claw, who formed after their founder member saw Sabbath play a show in Dumfries in November 1969, and went on to cover the band’s entire debut album. Wolf People, however, have their own sound and approach, the heavy, fuzzy psych of Ninth Night underpinned by lyrics rooted in an 18th century incantation. The effect is hypnotic, grand, wild. Available on: Ruins (JAGJAGUWAR)

9 Grails Self-Hypnosis

Experimental instrumental outfit Grails emerged from the Portland scene at the turn of the millennium. In 2005 they covered Sabbath’s on the Everything Comes And Goes tribute LP. The slow-building and brooding Self-Hypnosis (from their most recent album, released in 2013), sees them building on Sabbath’s more reflective, acoustic-led interludes, and confirms the Brum foursome’s influence on scenes way beyond hard rock. Available on: Black Tar Prophesies Vols 4,5, & 6 (TEMPORARY RESIDENCE)

10 Boris Pink

Released back in 2006, Pink – the 10th album by Japanese experimental trio Boris – saw them expand their sound and reach a wider audience. This cantering title track restates their heavy intent, matching a garage-rock feel with the thrust of Motörhead. Now considered an underground classic, the LP was celebrated with a 10th anniversary deluxe edition released via Sargent House, which came with an album of unreleased material entitled Forbidden Songs. Available on: Pink DeLuxe Edition (SARGENT HOUSE)

11 The Skull The Door

Chicago outfit Trouble were all Sabbath worshippers, as their six albums released between 1984 and ’92 proved (a final brace appearing via Rick Rubin’s Def American label). Frontman Eric Wagner, bassist Ron Holzer and drummer Jerry Olson regrouped as The Skull in 2012 and issued a debut album two years later. The melodrama of The Door sees keyboards segue into a riff that recalls Iron Man’s churning drive to spectacular effect. Available on: For Those Which Are Asleep (TEEPEE)

12 Motorpsycho Lacuna/Sunrise

Taking their name from a 1965 movie by Russ Meyer, the godfather of US sexploitation, Trondheim outfit Motorpsycho have made some of the most inspired, progressive records on the planet in the past 25 years. Their latest, Here Be Monsters, is no exception, and features this Mellotron-soaked tune. Inspired by near-namesake Sabbath song Laguna Sunrise, interwoven guitar leads you to the heart of track with its sense of Californian warmth. Bask in it. Available on: Here Be Monsters (RUNEGRAMMOFON)