On their 2018 release, “The Narrow Line,” Craneium serve up a mostly mellow, Grunge-laced Doom/Traditional Metal platter. The Grunge category isn’t immediately what comes to mind - - there’s no overwhelming sense of flannel or angst - - but the bands that their sound most recalls include Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Days of the New, Pearl Jam, and Mother Love Bone. . . . so, Craneium are guilty of Grunge by Association. There are also some seasonings of Mastodon, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath on the plate, to round out the flavors.

There are some moments of unbridled heaviness on “The Narrow Line,” like the fiery opener, “Manifest,” but the predominant feel is laid-back, even persisting the gentle groove through back-to-back songs. What I admire most on this record are the simple guitar chord variants, explorations, and progressions - - and none better than the work in “Redemption.” This song elevates the record from a pretty good also-ran to one that you should check out. “The Goat (Is In Command)” follows on its heels with a similar stoney vibe. See also “Man’s Ruin” and “I’m Your Demon.”