You ever want to let your hair down, crank up the volume, and just ride the riff? The latest EP from stoner rock trio STÖNER is here to scratch that itch. Their new record Boogie to Baja packs a punch of fuzzy, hard-driving rock that’ll get your head nodding and foot tapping in no time. STÖNER knows how to lay down gnarly desert rock grooves that sound like the open highway at sunset. 5 tracks of sun-baked guitars and punchy drums, Boogie to Baja is a nonstop ticket to good times. So buckle up, turn it up, and get ready to boogie – the riff ride of the summer is here.
STÖNER: The Supergroup Bringing Back Vintage Stoner Rock STÖNER is a stoner rock supergroup made up of legendary musicians Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri. Their new album ‘Boogie to Baja’ brings back the vintage stoner rock sound of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Bjork and Oliveri were both members of Kyuss, widely considered pioneers of the stoner rock genre. After Kyuss broke up, Bjork went on to play drums for Fu Manchu and front his own band Brant Bjork and the Bros. Oliveri played bass for Queens of the Stone Age and fronted Mondo Generator.
This release has a raw, gritty sound with fuzzy, distorted guitars, melodic basslines, and pounding drums. The power trio of Nick Oliveri, Brant Bjork, and Ryan Güt churn out an irresistible set of stoner rock anthems guaranteed to get your head bobbing. From the opening licks of “Stöner Theme” you know you’re in for a good time. The hard-charging rhythm section provides the perfect backdrop for Oliveri and Bjork to unleash wave after wave of fuzzed-out riffs. Tracks like “Night Tripper vs No Brainer” and “It Ain’t Free” call to mind desert highways and hazy memories of rocking out at secret generator parties. Gut’s pounding drums and Oliveri’s distorted bass form a wall of sound for Bjork’s guitar grooves. His solos are typically more melodic meanderings than all-out shred fests. The album reaches its peak during the sprawling ten-minute jam “Boogie to Baja.” After a few minutes of ominous bass throbs and tribal drumbeats, the full band explodes into a monster riff that tears through the rest of the song. The interplay between the musicians is telepathic, with sudden bursts of speed and changes in rhythm and tempo that showcase their talent. The chunky bassline and soulful guitar licks provide the perfect backdrop for Bjork’s raw, emotive singing and Oliveri’s punk influenced vocal stylings. Infectious percussion and a groovy bass groove transport you to sunny Mexico in this funky, feel-good song. Memorable lyrics like “We’re gonna boogie to Baja, leave all the madness behind” evoke a sense of escapism and wanderlust. The minimalist production and laid-back tempo make this track perfect for zoning out or chilling under the stars. With its mix of hard-driving rock, bluesy soul, and psychedelic dream pop, “Boogie to Baja” has something for any STÖNER fan or casual listener in the mood for an epic soundtrack to adventure, escapism or just rocking out.
The Bottom Line: Does Boogie to Baja Deliver the Riffs? In short, yes – Boogie to Baja brings the riffs and then some. The variation in tempo and style gives the album a nice flow and balance. The stripped-down production and lo-fi quality add to the overall gritty, old-school vibe. It sounds like it was recorded live in Bjork’s desert studio, which gives the album an authenticity and rawness. The focus here is really on the instrumentation. Boogie to Baja is a solid debut that delivers a heavy dose of what STÖNER is all about – massive riffs, hard rock jams, and psychedelic desert grooves. Bjork and Oliveri haven’t lost their touch, and this new project allows them to return to their roots. The band has said ‘Boogie to Baja’ was inspired by the laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty of Baja California. STÖNER invites listeners to shake off their worries, hop in their ride of choice and boogie on down to Baja with them.