REVIEW: This Summit Fever - This Summit Fever

This Summit Fever demands your attention from the very first note. Pulling you in with every

riff and word, it’s a debut that digs deep into the complexities of human experience and

does so with deservingly raw authenticity. An album that resonates with perhaps more of

us than some may realise, it’s clear that This Summit Fever are more than just another

fuzz-heavy duo - they’re the industry’s best kept secret.

Opening track ‘Breathe You In’ is tangibly coated with the sweat-slickened, peeling wall

paint of a dearly beloved venue: it’s made to be experienced live. A crowd favourite in the

making, this idea of pure, unfiltered frenzy is remarkably harnessed within Andy

Blackburn’s guitar strings with a dynamic groove. ‘Currents’ beats the well-trodden path

of blending effective intensity and nuance - and that’s before we talk about Jim

McSorley’s drumming technique - to guarantee your devotion. A slightly heavier, atmospheric build of chord progressions culminates into this swooping switch of riff-

energy. Like a jolt of clarity amid the haze, it’s a real emotional high for only our second soundscape of this terraneous album adventure.

As cliché as it may be, we’re going to reinforce the fact that every track is a standout.

‘Hooks’ being another contender. Blending these motifs of stoner rock, doom, and desert

vibes effortlessly, the song’s pace is relentless; the rhythm section almost taunts you with

its cohesivity, a strong vocal performance and pounding drums. Tight and punchy, it’s a

song demonstrating just how much creativity this duo can pack into a compact track. The

heavy fuzz feels physically intoxicating, and if that fantastic guitar solo didn't kick in, we’d

have called that a placebo effect.

As the album progresses, the track listing only continues to captivate: ‘Superfluous’

scratches that itch for something a little off-kilter, a bit weird, and yet still groove-heavy. A

perfect example of how This Summit Fever play with musical textures to keep listeners on

their toes, introducing a more psychedelic flavour to their technical terrain. Its fuzzy riff is a

slow burn, yet it segues seamlessly into ‘Voices’. Tinged with a hint of Cobain’s anguish,

Blackburn is urgently mellow in his heavier eruptions throughout the album. This track is

no different, although with its heaviness matched by a vulnerability that gives it real

emotional punch.

We’re driving forward with a relieving rush that is impossible to ignore. The combination of

McSorley’s frantic yet tight drumming (which never overwhelms the guitar, a harmonious

footnote in our musings) and that signature raw vein of intensity makes ‘Party To Blame’

another instant classic. It’s a moment of pure musical synergy, one that you’ll want to hit

repeat on, and it’s stunningly followed by the equally potent ‘Only Quietness’. It just oozes that classic stoner rock fuzz – slow, thick riffs that make your teeth ache and leave your

mind feeling loose and carefree. Subtle and pervasive, it captures the essence of that era

without sounding grunge in its nostalgia; rather, creeping under your skin and staying with

you long after the song ends.

One of the most impressive things about This Summit Fever is how lean it is. With the

exception of the closing track, most of the songs come in under four minutes. There’s no

fat here – each song is concise, punchy, and to the point. The tracks get in, make their

mark, and then leave you wanting more. Saying that, ‘It Haunts Us’ arguably offers this

overarching, pinnacle piece of poignancy we’ve been pushing towards. Offering a

departure from the high-energy rock that precedes it, it feels like a natural end to an album:

the softer vocals, lighter drums, and haunting melody are naturally introspective, and it’s a

beautiful listen through.

In the end, This Summit Fever is a record that feels real. No fluff, no filler. A collection of

songs that speak to the complexity of life – be it the riff-drenched, head-banging bonanzas,

or the moments of surprising depth – reflected in all its messiness and contradictions. It’s

an album you’ll want to come back to, again and again, because of the digestible promises

of honesty (including bigger things for the band in the future!). This Summit Fever is the

sound of a band finding their voice and embracing it fully, and if this debut is any

indication, we’re in for a crackin’ ride ahead.

Score: 7/10

This Summit Fever was released on April 4th 2025 via Majestic Mountain Records.

Words: Talia Robinson

Photos: This Summit Fever