REVIEW: Glueleg – Heroic Doses (1994)


GLUELEG – Heroic Doses (1994 Page Publications)

Any band that can handle an instrument as beastly as the Chapman Stick is worth listening to at least once. Glueleg, from Toronto Ontario, were once such band. They boasted not only the Stick but also a horn section with sax and trumpet. If that wasn’t enough to garner them some local praise, a few people turned their heads when they hooked up with James Stewart (cousin of The Cult’s Jamie Stewart) to produce their first CD, Heroic Doses. Prior Glueleg releases were cassettes…CD was the big time.

The title track was the first single/video, and entered rotation on MuchMusic and several rave reviews. Guitar player Ruben Huizenga sings this immediately infectious track. The hypnotic vocals, the punchy horns, the Stick, that low-as-fuck rib-busting riff…this track is perfect in every way. “Heroic Doses” nails it completely and there is no wonder that it garnered some serious attention. The end result of this was a record deal with EMI, but nobody can accuse Glueleg of being commercial on “Heroic Doses” even so.

“Pollo” (“Chicken”) is rapped and sung by Stick player Carlos Alonzo. He has an interesting voice, able to do a rap in a Beastie-like style but with his own spin. He can also sing quite well. He also sings “Mister Pink”, another manic groove. The horns deliver consistent punctuation, and that Stick just thumps. “Lilies” has a droney riff/groove combo that stoner rock bands today love to utilize. “Spiderman” is an original, an instrumental, but it certainly recalls the classic cartoon theme. Glueleg songs don’t tend to adhere to convention song structures. They have more in common with Mr. Bungle than the Chili Peppers, but much more accessible. Their songs have the complexity and chops of Bungle, but are direct. There are also grunge elements, a-la Alice in Chains.

The sonics of this album are really quite good even today. The Stick has a snap to it, and the horns have depth. Having two singers enabled them to play different styles of songs even within the confines of what Glueleg were doing. “Dust” is a dirge, for example. Then the next track “Pampa De Chooch” is completely different, at times almost sounding like Kyuss with horns. “Park Alien” might be Zappa-esque progressive jazz. “I Saw You Joja” is then something else again. Perhaps there’s a lack of focus, or maybe it’s just that Glueleg were so bursting full of ideas, but some songs come off as scattershot.

Biggest surprise of the album: the closing track “Red”, the King Crimson instrumental. What a drum tour de force performance this is, by Christian Simpson. Simpson is no slouch; he later went on to play with Saga for several years, as well as David Usher and Edwin.

I like all of it. Heroic Doses is one of those discs that are indicative of their times, and has nostalgia value, but also plenty of musical chops to keep you busy. If the songs had been tightened up a bit more I think you’d have a serious classic here. Unfortunately there are some songs that are just not quite there.

3.25/5 stars

20 comments

    1. I am always a big fan of multi-singer bands Geoff. I strongly recommend checking this out, it is not hard to find. I am missing the followup from my collection but that too is easy to fix. I remember it being really solid.

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      1. Based on your write-up, I like the sounds of their instrumentation. Haven’t seen Heroic Doses in stores but I was just thinking of popping by Value Village today, see if that copy of Clodhopper’s still there. Hope you’re enjoying your morning ‘fee!

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  4. I started reading your post and flipped on the radio. The sweet sounds of Man on the Silver Mountain filled my ears. Talk about positive vibes. I am digging this Hairband/Classic Metal theme weekend on the radio.

    \m/ \m/

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  5. See, 1537? THEY EXISTED! It’s not a conspiracy!

    I loved this CD (and their other one) back in the day. No idea where my copy of it is now. If I see a cheap one in Taranna, I would definitely replace it without hesitation. TRUMPETS!

    As for the songs not being quite there, seeing them live really helped that. They played at Edenfest in 1996 and, by my memory of 20 years ago, they totally killed it. Great show.

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  7. This one is new to me. I wasn’t too sure whether they’d be my cup o’ coffee until I read “Kyuss with horns”. Anyhoo, that song definitely appeals to me. Tells me all I need to know – I needs to get me this album!

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  10. This response is late in coming. Just a subtle note that James Stewart, music producer, is responsible for the success of Glueleg. Jamie Stewart, Cult bassist, is his cousin and had nothing to do with Glueleg. I should know…I was there…

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