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(Desert Spotlight) Big Scenic Nowhere – The Long Morrow

Featured by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

BSN is often described as a mix of stoner/psychedelic and desert rock, drawing on the desert landscape and rock music traditions of Southern California’s Coachella Valley. The Long Morrow is the band’s fourth release and, along with 2020’s EP Lavender Blues, is the output from recording sessions in 2019. For trivia buffs out there The Long Morrow was an episode of 60’s show The Twilight Zone, maybe an influence on the band?

The band is known for creating songs with extended jams that taken as a whole create a unique sonic canvas almost as if creating a concept album. Having said that, the songs here can stand on their own, while still fitting within the broader album. Murder Klipp might be considered a darker song on the album, with odd time signatures and more progressive rock stylings along with twin vocals. This track is heavier than the others on the album.

Defector (Of Future Days) is a short, direct, hard rocking track. This track is more of a straight-ahead riff-rocker without the familiar psych stylings. The vocal reminds me a little of Mike Patton era Tomahawk. Lavender Bleu opens with calmness and haunting vocals and the verses are in this style, while the choruses and solo passages are a bit heavier, making for a varied and quite satisfying experience. The fourth and shortest track on the album LeDu follows another straightforward desert rock tune for its near three-minute run time.

To close things out the band embarks on The Long Morrow, the near 20-minute trip through various sonic landscapes that include heavy riffing, organ flourishes, blazing solos and twin guitar attack riffing that complements all the sonic canvasses of the previous tracks on the album. With all of the various sections and vibes here you could turn this on close your eyes and see the desert, moon, cactus and really be transported there. This track has so many interesting elements I could see the band releasing it as a one track EP. The very definition of extended play!

In regards to the guitar playing, to quote Biggie Smalls, “If you don’t know, now you know”. Bob Balch and Gary Arce can shred in various styles and as much as you need. The closer has so many great riffs it’s really fun to listen to wondering where they go next. Throw in some phaser and reverb along with the metal solo riffing and you really get your money’s worth! Both players have their unique styles and really complement each other here. On a path to the end of all things is the last lyric to close out The Long Morrow before concluding with more guitar soloing to close things out.

Lineup:
Gary Arce: Guitar
Bob Balch: Guitar
Tony Reed: Bass/Vocals/Synth/Guitar
Bill Stinson: Drums

Track List

  1. Defector (Of Future Days)
  2. Murder Klipp
  3. Lavender Bleu
  4. LeDu
  5. The Long Morrow

Imaad Wasif – Superconsciousness

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Fire, Rebirth, and the Quietest Heavy Record of His Career

Some albums feel written, and others feel lived. Imaad Wasif’s Superconsciousness is the latter — a record shaped by wildfire displacement, emotional upheaval, and a spiritual reset that pushed him into the most vulnerable territory of his career. It’s not a loud album, but it’s heavy in the way a confession is heavy.

A New Phase in Wasif’s Evolution
If The Voidist mythologized the self and Dzi dissolved it in ritualistic psych, Superconsciousness rebuilds it from the ashes. This is Wasif at his most human — stripped of distortion walls, leaning into space, resonance, and the emotional weight of what’s left unsaid.

Where earlier records reached outward into cosmic symbolism, this one turns inward. The fire outside becomes the fire within.

Track‑by‑Track: The Emotional Map

Echoing

A quiet invocation. Pastoral piano and restrained guitar frame the emotional thesis: grief, memory, and the stillness after catastrophe.

We Are Hunters

A spiritual excavation. Raga‑like guitar lines bloom into a feral climax — one of the few moments where Wasif lets the intensity fully break through.

The Rainbow

The album’s flash of color. Glam‑rock swagger meets mystic undertones, like T‑Rex wandering into a candlelit séance.

The Past Will Catch You

Minimalist and haunted. A meditation on cycles of trauma and the inevitability of facing what you’ve tried to outrun.

Superconsciousness

The philosophical core. Psychedelic folk, Indian classical influence, and a dissolving sense of ego.

Echoes of the Fire

Directly tied to the 2025 Altadena wildfires. Smoky, slow‑burning, and emotionally raw.

The Unseen Path

Sparse, ghostly, and intimate. A moment of surrender to intuition.

Repatterning

The album’s emotional resolution. Not triumphant — but honest. Healing as a slow rewrite of internal code.

Sonic Palette

  • Raga‑influenced guitar lines
  • Gothic folk atmospheres
  • Pastoral acoustic textures
  • Psychedelic undertones
  • Minimalist production with emotional clarity

This is a record where the space between notes matters as much as the notes themselves.

Why This Album Matters

Superconsciousness is a career‑defining moment for Imaad Wasif — not because it’s the biggest or boldest record, he’s made, but because it’s the most vulnerable. It’s a document of survival, renewal, and the strange clarity that comes after everything burns down. For fans of desert‑born introspection, mystical folk, and guitar work that speaks in whispers instead of wails, this is essential listening.

Musicians:

Imaad Wasif – vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, bass, synthesizers, piano, bulbul tarang

Garrett Ray – drums, percussion

Dylan Fujioka – drums on The Rainbow

Mike Bulington – drums on Believe

Noah Guevara – bass on Dark Lord

Lewis Pesacov – bass, synthesizers

Heather McIntosh – cello on Believe, The Rainbow, Dark Lord

Rocco DeLuca – slide guitar on Believe

Nick Zinner – synthesizers on Echoing

Bobb Bruno – demoing, sonic ideations

Onioroshi Unleash Two New Singles and Announce March 2026 European Tour

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Onioroshi, the heavy psych force from Italy active since 2019, step into 2026 with a double strike: two new singles and a full European tour. After the release of their second LP Shrine in 2025 through Bitume Productions, the band spent the past year sharpening their live presence across Italy and quietly reshaping their sound in the studio. The result is a pair of new tracks—Wicked Child and Eris—that mark a turning point in their evolution.

A New Sonic Direction

Both singles, released on February 25, 2026, show Onioroshi embracing a more concise, flowing approach without abandoning the noise-driven experimentation that defines their identity. Clocking in at just over five minutes each, Wicked Child (5:04, vocals by Enrico) and Eris (5:21, vocals by Manuel) are the shortest compositions the band has ever released. The shift toward tighter structures brings a new urgency to their sound—leaner, sharper, and more immediate—while still carrying the dense textures and hypnotic heaviness that fans expect.

The release is accompanied by two visually striking videos shot by filmmaker Jacopo Gioacchini, featuring actress and dancer Rebecca Piraccini. Her presence adds a physical, expressive layer to the music, amplifying the tension and movement embedded in the new material.

March 2026 European Tour

To celebrate this new chapter, Onioroshi are hitting the road for a European tour running from March 12 to March 27, 2026. The itinerary spans seven countries and ten shows, bringing the band’s immersive live energy to a mix of underground venues and independent scenes across the continent.

Tour stops include:

  • Peyrelevade (FR)
  • Uzerche (FR)
  • Geneva (CH)
  • Subotica (SRB)
  • Budapest (HU)
  • Bratislava (SK)
  • Vienna (AT)
  • Osijek (CR)

Across these dates, Onioroshi will share the stage with a wide range of local and independent acts, reinforcing their commitment to grassroots collaboration and the DIY spirit that has fueled their growth since 2019.

Looking Ahead

With Shrine still resonating, two new singles expanding their sonic palette, and a European tour underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Onioroshi. The band’s shift toward more streamlined compositions hints at a new era—one that keeps their experimental core intact while opening the door to fresh creative territory.

 

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – Inexorable Opposites

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

A Dark, Psychedelic Western Rock Odyssey from Australia’s Heavy Underground

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows return with their fourth full‑length album, Inexorable Opposites, delivering their most dynamic and emotionally resonant release yet. Known for their atmospheric blend of psychedelic western rock, stoner fuzz, and doom‑tinged desert vibes, the Australian quartet pushes their sound into deeper, more human territory.

This is a record built for fans of heavy, cinematic storytelling — and for anyone who loves their riffs dust‑covered, sun‑scorched, and dripping with mood.

A Bold Evolution in Sound

One of the most significant shifts on Inexorable Opposites is the introduction of drummer Brayden Becher, whose explosive performance injects new life into the band’s sonic identity. For the first time, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows brought in an outside engineer — Lewis Noke‑Edwards — to track drums, stepping beyond their traditional DIY workflow.

The payoff is immediate:

  • Bigger dynamics
  • Heavier peaks
  • Softer, more vulnerable lows
  • A wider emotional and sonic palette

Lyrics Rooted in Real‑World Duality

While the fictional sci‑fi western outlaw Jack Harlon still casts a long shadow, vocalist Tim Coutts‑Smith shifts toward more personal and contemporary themes. Influenced by lived experiences and his work in mental health, the lyrics explore the contradictions of modern life — the tension between light and dark, hope and despair, creation and destruction.

The album title, Inexorable Opposites, draws inspiration from Carl Jung’s Man and His Symbols, emphasizing the idea that human existence is defined by opposing forces. This philosophical backbone gives the record a depth that sets it apart from typical stoner‑rock fare.

A Sound That Connects Australia to the American Desert

Even though the band hails from Australia, their music feels spiritually connected to the American Southwest. Fans of desert rock, spaghetti‑western soundscapes, and lo‑fi fuzz will feel right at home.

Their signature blend includes:

  • Psychedelic Western rock
  • Stoner rock & fuzz
  • Blues‑infused grit
  • Doom metal undertones
  • Cinematic Western ambience

It’s a uniquely atmospheric style that bridges the Outback and the Mojave.

From Side Project to Heavy Underground Mainstay

Formed around 2015 as a side project for Coutts‑Smith, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows have grown into one of Australia’s most compelling underground heavy acts. Their DIY ethos has shaped everything from recording to visual art, and their live presence has earned them stages alongside Greenleaf, Sasquatch, Wo Fat, and Whores.

A Mature, Expansive Fourth Album

Inexorable Opposites showcases a band fully in command of their craft. The record balances introspection with crushing heaviness, offering a refined yet adventurous take on their signature sound. It’s a meditation on the contradictions of life — delivered through titanic riffs, haunting melodies, and cinematic atmosphere.

For fans of psychedelic western rock, stoner metal, and heavy desert soundscapes, this album is essential listening.

Album Details

Tracklist

  1. Moss
  2. Venomous
  3. Mt. Macedon
  4. Dave Is Done
  5. Junior Fiction
  6. Seer
  7. On the Overwhelm
  8. To Die

Line‑up

  • Tim Coutts‑Smith – vocals, guitar
  • Jordan Richardson – guitar
  • Brayden Becher – drums
  • Liam Barry – bass

2025 Top 10 Stoner Rock & Heavy Psych Albums

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

10. Low Pan – Get Well Soon

Columbus, Ohio

If you’re a guitar player, this album immediately grabs you. The guitar tone is excellent, and the overall mix is dialed in perfectly. Bass, drums, and vocals all sit where they should, which makes a massive difference for heavy music.

Vocally, Jeff Barton delivers strong, on-key performances, and Tool fans will likely notice a faint Maynard-style familiarity without it feeling derivative.

Standout tracks:

  • The Good Fight

  • Wormwood (killer chugging riffs)

A strong, well-produced record that rewards careful listening.

9. Desert Smoke – Desert Smoke

Lisbon, Portugal

This self-titled release comes from a psychedelic stoner instrumental band that will resonate with fans of Yawning Man and reverb-soaked desert rock.

What makes this album special is the range. You move from slow-building, atmospheric passages straight into full-on guitar shredding. The players can absolutely rip, which adds a dynamic edge to the otherwise spacey sound.

Standout tracks:

  • Gravity Absence

  • 49th Steambox (the heaviest track on the record)

8. Borracho – Ouroboros

Washington, D.C.

Borracho proves once again how massive a trio can sound. Rooted in Sabbath-style riff worship, this band knows how to pound a groove and drive it home.

What elevates this album is the subtle use of synths, adding atmosphere without softening the heaviness. The result is thick, riff-forward stoner rock with extra dimension.

Standout tracks:

  • Vegas Baby

  • Lord of Suffering (a seven-minute burner)

7. Dax Riggs – Seven Songs for Spiders

This release stands apart from much of the list. Recorded in Riggs’ home studio in Louisiana, it’s more introspective and less polished, but that’s exactly its strength.

There’s a singer-songwriter quality here, with hints of Kurt Vile and occasional shades of Chris Cornell in the vocal delivery. It’s heavy in mood rather than pure riff assault, and it’s not what I expected in the best way.

Standout tracks:

  • Deceiver

  • Pagan Moon

6. Yawning Man – Pavement Ends

The godfathers of desert psychedelic rock return, and if you’re a fan, you already know the deal.

Yawning Man’s guitar work remains one of the most unique sounds in heavy music. Cavernous reverb, swirling textures, and a picking style that feels like heat waves rising off desert pavement. The guitars feel alive, constantly shifting and breathing.

Standout tracks:

  • Bomba Negra

  • A Bad Time to Be Alive

Close your eyes and picture Joshua trees under a fading sun. This is that soundtrack.

5. Margarita Witch Cult – Strung Out in Hell

Birmingham, UK

This one completely blindsided me. Rooted in stoner doom, the band brings unexpected twists that keep the album feeling fresh.

Mars Rover leans into a sci-fi doom vibe, while The Fool introduces baritone sax and trumpet. Yes, horns on a stoner doom record, and somehow it works. They even cover Billy Idol’s White Wedding.

Unpredictable, strange, and genuinely unique.

4. Year of the Cobra – Year of the Cobra

A duo that hits like a full band. Bass-driven heaviness leads the charge, with Amy Tung Barrysmith delivering soaring vocals over distorted low-end and solid drumming.

Despite using a Rickenbacker bass, the tone is massive thanks to effects and distortion. The stripped-down lineup allows the rhythm, melody, and vocals to shine without distraction.

Standout tracks:

  • Wardrop

  • Sleep

This album came out of nowhere and quickly became a favorite.

3. Stoned Jesus – Songs to Sun

Ukraine

This record nails dynamics. The band shifts effortlessly from atmospheric, synth-tinged passages to absolute riff bludgeoning.

Low delivers punishing drums and crushing heaviness, while New Dawn opens the album with a more expansive, melodic approach. Acoustic guitar, synths, and massive riffs all coexist beautifully.

Standout tracks:

  • Low

  • New Dawn

Heavy when it needs to be, expansive when it wants to breathe.

2. Howling Giant – Crucible and Ruin

This album blends stoner rock, progressive elements, and fantasy-leaning themes into something cohesive and powerful.

The twin guitar attack shines, but the vocals truly elevate the record. With both the lead guitarist and drummer contributing vocals, there’s depth and strength rarely found in the genre.

Standout tracks:

  • Hunter’s Mark

  • Scepter and Scythe

A creative genre fusion that feels fully realized. I also had the chance to interview drummer Zach Wheeler, and it’s worth checking out if you enjoyed this release.

1. Kal-El – Astral Voyager Vol. I

Norway

No surprises here. This is stoner rock excellence firing on all cylinders.

Heavy riffs, pounding drums, soaring leads, and long-form songwriting dominate the album. These are not three-minute tracks. These are eight-minute voyages meant to crush and transport at the same time.

Standout tracks:

  • B.T.D.S.C.

  • Cosmic Sailor

If space rock and stoner riffs are your fuel, this album is the engine. Volume II is expected in 2026, and expectations are already sky-high.

Final Thoughts

What did I miss? What would you add? And what releases are you most excited about heading into 2026?

Desert Spotlight: Yawning Man – Pavement Ends

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

When you talk about “Desert Rock,” you eventually end up talking about Yawning Man. For nearly four decades, the trio has been the sonic architects of the generator party scene, influencing everyone from Kyuss to various stoner rock bands throughout the world. Where their 2023 release, Long Walk of the Navajo, felt like a spiritual drifting across open sands, their latest offering, Pavement Ends, feels like the sun going down and the temperature dropping across the desert landscape.

Released earlier this month via Heavy Psych Sounds, Pavement Ends sees the legendary lineup of Gary Arce (guitar), Mario Lalli (bass), and Bill Stinson (drums) returning to the studio with a darker, heavier, and more cinematic intent. It is arguably their most “shoegaze” record to date—bleak, beautiful, and drenched in a tension that rarely resolves the way you expect.

The Sound of the End of the Road

The album opens with “Burrito Power,” a track that immediately signals a shift in tone. Stinson’s drums are muscular and punchy here, driving a doom-laden riff that feels surprisingly heavy for a band known for airy, reverb-soaked jams. It’s a grounded, gritty start that contrasts sharply with the ethereal floating of their past work.

However, the signature Yawning Man shimmer isn’t gone; it has just evolved. On “Gestapo Pop,” Arce’s guitar work takes center stage. It is less about the “surf” vibe this time and more about creating a melancholic, starry atmosphere. The interplay between Lalli’s deep, grooving bass and Arce’s shimmering delay creates a hypnotic loop that feels like watching a time-lapse of a desert night.

Emotional Undertow

The emotional core of the record sits in the middle with “Bomba Negra.” This track is a masterclass in tension and release. It digs deep into an emotional undertow, trading the “jam band” feel for something more composed and cinematic. It’s atmospheric, moody, and arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of music the band has released in years.

“Dust Suppression” lightens the mood slightly with a leisurely cosmic swagger, but it serves mostly as a bridge to the album’s massive finale.

The Final Stretch

The album closes with a one-two punch that might be the best sequence in their discography. The title track, “Pavement Ends,” stretches toward the ten-minute mark. It is pure desert hypnosis—a mid-tempo drive into nowhere that feels infinite. It captures that specific feeling of running out of road, where the physical world stops and the psychological landscape begins.

Finally, “Bad Time To Be Alive” wraps up the experience. Despite the cynical title, the track is strangely uplifting—a melancholic, introspective piece that feels like an acknowledgment of the world’s chaos, processed through the band’s meditative filter. It’s a poignant closer that leaves you staring at the horizon long after the needle lifts.

The Verdict

Pavement Ends is not just “another Yawning Man album.” It is a focused, disciplined, and emotionally resonant evolution of their sound. Arce, Lalli, and Stinson sound locked in, not just jamming, but conversing through their instruments.

If you are a fan of instrumental rock, this is essential listening. The pavement might end here, but Yawning Man proves they still have plenty of new territory to explore.

SUPERCHAINED – Symbolic

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Superchained is a solo musical project by Hugo Lanvin, launched in 2017. As its sole member, Hugo composes and records all tracks independently. After a period of sonic exploration, he released the first EP, The 0,00$ EP, in 2019, followed by the debut album Strangekind in 2022. These releases laid the foundation for the new project and helped define his unique musical identity.

Following Strangekind, the future of Superchained was uncertain. A second album had never been part of the original plan—the intent was to release a single, ten-track album that fully captured the essence of the project. This led Hugo to a pivotal question: “Should I continue this project or move on to something else?”

In confronting this dilemma, he experienced a mix of doubt and introspection, but also a renewed drive to create another album—one that would further solidify Superchained’s identity. The goal was not to replicate Strangekind, but to evolve naturally: staying true to the project’s roots while venturing into musical styles he had long admired.

Genre-bending grit meets emotional depth in Hugo Lanvin’s latest solo release

If you haven’t heard of Superchained yet, now’s the time to tune in. The one-man project helmed by Hugo Lanvin returns with Symbolic, a bold follow-up that refuses to play it safe. This isn’t just another alt-rock record—it’s a layered, genre-hopping exploration of identity, emotion, and sonic evolution.

🎶 Sound & Style
Symbolic blends grunge-rooted riffs with alternative rock textures, but that’s just the foundation. Lanvin throws in ballads, funk grooves, fusion flourishes, indie punk energy, and even flashes of metal. It’s a melting pot of influences that somehow never feels scattered. Think Alice in Chains meets Smashing Pumpkins but filtered through a deeply personal lens.

The production is tight without being sterile. Lanvin aimed for a modern, balanced mix—each instrument has its space, and nothing feels over-polished. It’s raw where it needs to be, refined where it counts.

🧠 Themes & Emotion
This album is introspective to its core. Drawing from lived experiences, Lanvin explores themes of doubt, identity, and artistic purpose. It’s the kind of record that invites repeat listens—not just for the sound, but for the emotional layers tucked beneath.

🎸 DIY Spirit
What makes Symbolic even more impressive? Hugo Lanvin did it all. Electric and bass guitars, piano, drums, vocals—every note is his. That DIY ethos pulses through the album, giving it a sense of urgency and authenticity that’s hard to fake.

💭 Final Thoughts
For fans of emotionally charged rock with a fearless approach to genre, Symbolic is a must-listen. It’s not just an album—it’s a statement of artistic resilience and evolution.

Tracklist:

1. Born Again

2. Let’s Make Something

3. New Sensation

4. 9:17

5. Falling Down

6. The Trip

7. All About the Money

8. Runaway

9. The Narcissist

10. Prosthetic Head

For more information on Superchained
👉 https://linktr.ee/superchained

Symbolic is available now on CD digipack and streaming via Bitume Prods label.

Igarka – Dopamine Ocean

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

Igarka’s Dopamine Ocean isn’t just an EP—it’s a sonic detonation.

Released October 10, 2025, this Italian quintet has unleashed a genre-bending, emotionally charged debut that’s turning heads and melting minds. Formed in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Igarka is part of a vibrant underground Italian music scene. While bands such as Karnivool, TesseracT, and My Bloody Valentine are not explicitly mentioned by the band as influences, there are sonic elements that call these bands to mind when listening to their EP. The band does mention an affinity for Deftones and Baroness and while Igarka does not explicitly sound similar, there are certain soundscapes and sonic dimensions they share with these influences.

Sound Explosion

Imagine shoegaze colliding with grunge, melodic hardcore, and power metal—all wrapped in a dreamy haze. That’s Igarka. Their sound is heavy, hypnotic, and wildly unpredictable. The dynamic shifts are wild: quiet introspection explodes into chaotic breakdowns. The layering of shoegaze textures with aggressive rhythms often creates a sound that’s both dreamy and devastating. Every track is a mood swing you’ll want to ride.

Vocals That Haunt & Heal

Aisja Baglioni’s voice floats, sings, and soars. From the surreal forest of “Hider” to the shimmering shoegaze of “Follow for More,” her delivery is pure magic. Aisja’s vocals shift from whispery vulnerability to full-throttle fury.

🔥 Tracklist

  • “Hider” – ethereal and eerie
  • “Follow for More” – shoegaze shimmer
  • “Sabotage” – raw and relentless
  • “Self-Similar” – mathy and mesmerizing
  • “Expiration Mark” – emotional gut-punch
  • “Sammarinese Brainrot Animals” – chaotic brilliance
  • “End Well” – a haunting farewell

Lineup:

  • Aisja Baglioni – lead vocals
  • Luca Pasini – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, mixing
  • Simone Succi – guitar, mastering
  • Elisabetta Paglierani – bass, artwork
  • Giorgio Puzzarini – drums

Unwound at the Teragram Ballroom (Los Angeles, Sept 13, 2025)

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

On September 13, 2025, Unwound returned to Los Angeles for a sold-out show at the Teragram Ballroom, marking a powerful stop on their “30 Years of The Future of What” tour. For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, the night was more than a nostalgia trip—it was a visceral reminder of why Unwound remains a cornerstone of post-hardcore, noise rock, and experimental sound.

The Venue & Vibe

Teragram Ballroom, with its intimate 600-person capacity and general admission setup, was the perfect crucible for Unwound’s sonic intensity. The crowd leaned in—literally and emotionally. From the front rows to the edges, people swayed, surged, and occasionally moshed, feeding off the band’s energy. While the acoustics weren’t flawless throughout the venue, the sound hit hard and clean where it mattered most.

Opening the night was lowercase, whose own version of noise rock with post-hardcore elements offered a precursor of noise that set the stage for what was to come. Imaad Wasif was in fine form with angsty almost screamed vocals at points with Brian Girgus’s hard hitting drums driving each song forward, along with Tiber Scheer’s propulsive bass lines holding down the low end. At certain points the dynamics of the songs would have benefitted by an additional boost to Wasif’s guitar level in the live mix.

Setlist Deep Dive

Unwound’s set leaned heavily into The Future of What, with over a dozen tracks from the album anchoring the performance. But they didn’t stop there—gems from Fake Train and Repetition surfaced, giving the show a layered emotional arc.

Highlights included:

  • “New Energy” as the opener: taut, confrontational, and instantly immersive.
  • “Demolished,” “Natural Disasters,” “Re-Enact the Crime”: balancing noise and nuance, these tracks showcased the band’s dynamic range.
  • “Kantina,” “Valentine Card,” “Were Are and Was or Is”: early fan favorites that landed with raw emotional force.
  • A mid-set taped interlude with “Pardon My French” added unexpected texture, breaking the live momentum in a way that felt intentional and atmospheric.

Musicianship & Dynamics

Unwound’s performance was tight, deliberate, and emotionally charged. The band navigated chaos and calm with precision, never letting one overwhelm the other.

  • Sara Lund’s drumming was a standout: aggressive yet controlled, anchoring the band while injecting bursts of disruption.
  • Guitar and noise elements were masterfully balanced—abrasive when needed, ambient when the moment called for it. The twin guitar attack of Justin Trosper and Scott Seckington provided a sonic blast of dissonance and distortion and gave many of the most familiar tracks an extra heaviness.
  • Bass work Jared Warren (Big Business, Melvins) held the low end with clarity and weight, supporting the mix without muddying it. Filling the massive shoes of Vern Rumsey is not easy to do and Warren was more than capable.

The transitions between songs felt seamless, with tension building and releasing in waves. It was a set that demanded attention and rewarded it.

What Worked / ⚠️ What Could’ve Been Better

What Worked:

  • A clear thematic focus on The Future of What gave the show cohesion.
  • Smart pacing and dynamic contrasts kept the hour-long set compelling.
  • The mix of old and new material satisfied both diehard fans and curious newcomers.

Could’ve Been Better:

  • Vocals occasionally got buried under guitar layers, especially in louder moments.
  • A couple of quieter songs in succession slightly dulled momentum.
  • Another track or two from the “Repetition” album might have provided a more balanced set.

Final Thoughts

Unwound’s performance at Teragram Ballroom was a masterclass in tension, texture, and emotional resonance. Thirty years on, The Future of What still feels urgent—and Unwound still knows how to make it hit. The show wasn’t just a look back; it was a statement of continued relevance.

Rating: 8.5/10 For fans, it was a cathartic celebration. For newcomers, a compelling initiation.

 

SOLACE – Further (2025 Reissue)

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Music Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Further first dropped in 2000, it marked the arrival of Solace as one of the East Coast’s most punishing and inventive stoner doom outfits. Twenty-five years later, Magnetic Eye Records has given the record a new lease on life, remastering the band’s debut and pairing it with a treasure trove of bonus material. Sadly, this reissue doubles as an unintended tribute to original frontman Jason L., who passed away earlier this year. His presence looms large across the record—raw, feral, and commanding—and this edition ensures his voice will continue to rattle speakers for years to come.

If Further were released as a brand-new album today, it would still feel like a major statement. The remaster sharpens its edges without sanding down the grit, giving the riffs more bite and the low end more weight.

The album’s opening run of songs sets the tone brilliantly:

“Man Dog” erupts with chugging riffs and Jason’s throat-tearing vocals, a track that feels halfway between Motörhead’s reckless charge and Sabbath’s oppressive stomp. It’s the kind of opener that makes a mission statement loud and clear.

“Black Unholy Ground” follows with a darker, more lumbering feel. The riffs here are suffocating, crushing down like concrete slabs, while Jason’s vocal delivery leans into apocalyptic sermon territory.

“Followed” drags things into the swamp. The tempo sinks, the distortion thickens, and the song oozes menace—perfect for fans who prefer their doom with an extra layer of grime.

“Whistle Pig” kicks the energy back up, riding a surging groove with a riff that borders on classic rock swagger, though twisted through Solace’s dirt-metal filter. It’s one of the album’s more driving tracks.

“Hungry Mother” pivots again, starting with a slow, foreboding build before exploding into one of the record’s heaviest climaxes. The song embodies Solace’s signature push-and-pull between sludge and fury.

This pendulum swing between ferocity and sludge, between heavy rock swagger and doom-laden crawl, is what keeps Further gripping even as it stretches past the hour mark.

Highlights from the remainder of the set include “Suspicious Towers,” which slips in a spoken-word lift from the cult sci-fi flick The Creation of Humanoids. Normally a gimmick, here it lands with eerie effectiveness, a perfect prelude to the song’s lurching menace.

The reissue doesn’t stop at polishing the core album. Six bonus tracks expand the picture, including covers of Iron Maiden (“Another Life”), Lynyrd Skynyrd (“On the Hunt”), Misfits (“We Bite”), and James Gang (“Funk #49,” captured live in Tokyo back in ’98). Far from throwaways, these renditions showcase Solace’s ability to bend other genres into their own brand of what they once called “dirt metal”—part doom, part hardcore muscle, part Jersey grit.

The remastered Further clocks in at over 90 minutes, but it never feels bloated. Instead, it plays like a reminder of just how vital this band was at the turn of the millennium—and how much Jason L.’s guttural roar defined their sound. This reissue doesn’t just honor an album; it honors a legacy.

Verdict: A powerhouse debut given new fire, Further (2025) is both a fitting tribute and a record that still competes with the best of the genre today. Pour one out for Jason, crank this loud, and let Solace’s dirt metal thunder roll.

Tracklist
1. Man Dog (2025 Remaster)
2. Black Unholy Ground (2025 Remaster)
3. Followed (2025 Remaster)
4. Whistle Pig (2025 Remaster)
5. Hungry Mother (2025 Remaster)
6. Angels Dreaming (2025 Remaster)
7. Suspicious Tower (2025 Remaster)
8. Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (2025 Remaster)
9. Another Life
10. We Bite
11. On the Hunt
12. Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (Distanced from Reality version)
13. Dirt
14. Funk #49 (Live in Tokyo ’98)

Recording line-up
Jason – voice, lyrics
Tommy Southard – guitars
Bill “Bixby” Belford – drums
Rob Hultz – bass

Christopher Thomas Interview

by desertrockunited3960, posted in Interviews

DRU: Who are your biggest influences?

Oh, man. Well, considering I would call my music desert rock, I’d have to start with Queens of the Stone Age. Josh Homme is my biggest inspiration. After that, you’ve got Black Label Society, Pantera, Nirvana, Iggy Pop…the weirdos that can write a catchy tune. I love a catchy tune.

DRU: Any specific guitar player, bass player, or drummer influences?

For guitar, I’ve got to go Josh Homme–I’d be lucky to write riffs half as catchy as he does. Marc Ribot for sure, and my bassist, Michael, loves the hell out of that guy from Hum. He also loves Chi Cheng from Deftones; he listens to a lot of their music. Drummer boy Brad owes his talents to Phil Collins, Dave Grohl, Phil Selway, and Jaki Liebezeit.

DRU: How would you describe your sound?

Little noisy, little melodic, little stoner. I’ve got ADHD so I have a hard time sticking to just one vibe, haha. It’s for sure all over the place, but then, so am I, so it works!

DRU: How did the band form and come together?

My bassist Michael is my younger brother, so he signed the contract when he was born. It would be really cool if our other brother played drums, but by serendipity our drummer Brad is actually a lot cooler. I’ve been working with him on random local projects here and there for years, and he just works so well. He mixes and masters all our stuff too, actually, which for me is super awesome because it gives us a tighter grip on the “vision”.

DRU: What’s your songwriting process?

Most of the time, I stick a random drum track from YouTube on in the background, sometimes from a song that’s stuck in my head or a drummer I particularly dig. I riff off of that until it sounds at least something like a song, and from there, I bring it to practice and evolve it. I think songs come out best when a few different people have put their paws in the pot because it pulls together sounds you never would have thought of on your own.

DRU: Best format? Vinyl records, cassettes, CDs or downloads? (Regardless of current popularity)

Vinyl definitely has in irrevocable swagger too it, especially because I’ll never be able to wrap my mind around the tech for it. That being said, I do have to pay my thanks to the convenience of downloads, I’d be nowhere as a guitarist or songwriter without my iPod Nano back in the day.

DRU: One or two artists/bands you would like to collaborate with?

Locally, there’s another band out of New Jersey called Swansun that I’d kill to take the stage with. Not exactly the same sound, but I think it would just be a really fun lineup overall. In the realm of “never going to happen”, though, I think you can guess that I’m going to say I would sell my limbs to open for Josh Homme. Just, like, a five-minute set, that’s all I need!

DRU: Any plans for an upcoming tour?

No tour plans at the moment, but I might be open to it in the future. I love the NJ/Philadelphia scene too much to stray too far from it just yet…I’ve got a lot more on my list I’d like to accomplish here first before I take my music on the road.

DRU: Describe the recording process, is it completed by sending files to each other or is everyone in the studio?

My brother and I actually record guitar and bass on an $80 iRig running into Garageband on the iPhone. No joke, that’s all it is. Maybe a pedal or two in front…it’s a whole big, wired mess in our living room but I swear to God it works magic. After that, we send it over to our drummer Brad and he records drums over top using a drum pad, and from there we take it to a studio for the vocals so we can really get into the nitty and gritty of the mix. Then Brad casts some spells and mixes and masters it all to perfection.

DRU: Describe the New Jersey music scene, do the local artists influence it?

Oh, absolutely and without a doubt. There’s so much local love here, it’s a really lucky place to be a musician starting out. You’d be hard-pressed to not find a show to go to, and fortunately, one to play as well. There are lots of independent venues, bookers, promoters, it’s really cool. Not only bars, but houses, too. Like in people’s basements. It’s honestly such a blast and I’m really grateful to be from here!

DRU: Any social channels or band sites fans should check out for release, merchandise or tour information?

Our Instagram handle is @christopherthomas.nj , our updates all go straight through there with some bonus content of course. We’re actually working on getting a site up and running and by the time you’re reading this it will definitely be somewhat functional (we’re musicians, and unfortunately not very great IT guys). That domain’s https.//christopherthomasnj.wixsite.com/info. That has pretty much everything, music, pictures, videos, lore…I’m hoping to get a newsletter up and running too, just because, why not make ‘em read, too? Our music is accessible on streaming everywhere. Our second EP, In My Eyes is out July 17th, and we’re really excited for you all to hear it.