2009 is going down in the books as the year for independent record labels. The Bay Area has its share of indie bands, but I’ve never seen so many in the “loud/noise rock” genre that all strive to be well, so loud. Inspired perhaps by the success of bands like High on Fire, Saviours and a number of other Bay Area rock bands, Monterey rockers Razorhoof just finished recording a 6-track self-titled E.P. and want you to hear it. The group managed to recruit Kowloon Walled City front man Scott Evans to assist with the recordings, and like his band, has the album available completely for free on their myspace page.

Razorhoof draws inspiration from bands like Kyuss, Motorhead and Neurosis, giving the music a raw sound that’s driving and heavy in the rhythm section. The songs are more rock than “sludge”, but the distorted vocals and down-tuned guitars help seat the band nearer to the “noise rock” category. If you dig any of the aforementioned bands, or loud rock, then you will want to go check out Razorhoof.