Month: October 2021

(DESERT SPOTLIGHT) BIG SCENIC NOWHERE LAVENDER BLUES

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Something about the desert and super groups! This Big Scenic Nowhere release is from 2020, coming in at 24 minutes with only three tracks you can expect some extended jams. The title track Lavender Blues comes in at 13 minutes with multiple guitar solos for both Bob Balch (Fu Manchu) and Gary Arce (Yawning Man). From an audio perspective, it is cool to have two distinctive shredders showcasing their unique guitar styles. Tony Reed (Mos Generator) handles all of the vocals which fit the music perfectly, floating just above the din. Track two is the shortest and has a little Blue Oyster Cult feel to it. Track three has some furious speedy solos, bordering on almost metal sounding. Another sonic surprise throughout was the synth/piano parts by Per Wiberg (Kamchatka).

The lineup:

Bob Balch (Fu Manchu) – Guitar / Bass
Gary Arce (Yawning Man) – Guitar
Tony Reed (Mos Generator) – Bass / Vocals / Synths / Guitar
Bill Stinson (Yawning Man) – Drums
Per Wiberg (Kamchatka, ex-Opeth) – Synths / Piano
Daniel Mongrain (Voivod) – Guitar
Chris Goss (Masters Of Reality) – Guitar

MXR – M-234 Analog Chorus (8.5)

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Gear Reviews

With true analog bucket brigade technology onboard, changing the rate and depth controls gives you a wide range of chorus tones. Two EQ knobs give you the tone control and the level knob adds as little or as much effect as you want, from a subtle shift in your tone to a full-on sound.

Rate, Level, and Depth controls, as well as knobs for cutting High and Low frequencies allow ultimate tone control. Like all MXR pedals, the M-234 comes in a heavy-duty housing with durable jacks and switches. One downside if you are primarily using battery power is the requirement to unscrew the back plate to change the battery. This is a great, affordable, pedal for most guitar players, maybe a stereo chorus would be better for some instances, but I use this one all of the time.

Level – The amount of chorus effect delivered into the audio signal. When you increase the Level knob, you are able to attain more chorus in your signal.

Low and High EQ Knobs – These controls represent basic EQ settings. You can use them to adjust the high and low end frequencies of your music.

Rate – This knob allows you to adjust the speed at which the chorus flows. When you turn it up, the sound will get increasingly circular and swirly.

Depth – The intensity of the chorus effect is controlled using the Depth knob. By using this knob, you can hit a stronger punchy sound.

Tomahawk – Tonic Immobility

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Released in March of 2021 Tonic Immobility is the fifth release from post-rock super group Tomahawk. Coming in at just under 40 minutes, with 12 tracks there is no time for self indulgent bloat. Mike Patton’s vocal range and unique vocals don’t allow boredom to set in either, with each track having different vocal styles. Obviously the rhythm section is 1st rate with John Stanier (Battles, ex-Helmet) on drums and Trevor Dunn (Fantomas, Melvins, Mr. Bungle) on bass. Stanier is one of my favorite drummers and what is cool here is the production. The drums sound like drums, not overly processed with effects. Guitar wise Duane Dennison more than holds things down with some great guitar work. Check out Tattoo Zero and closing track Dog Eat Dog.