Album Review: 1968’s Salvation, If You Need…

1968, from Cheshire, UK, are unashamed in their reverence for the classic psychedelic hard rock that hails from the period their name alludes to. They play “loud, heavy, psychedelic stoner rock that swings,” according to the press release. This is a style that has been done and done again so often that its impact can… Continue reading Album Review: 1968’s Salvation, If You Need…

Album Review: YAWNING SONS’ Sky Island

Yawning Sons are a band steeped in the culture and history of the “desert rock” scene. The band came into existence back in 2008, when British instrumental post-rockers Sons of Alpha Centuri asked Gary Acre of Yawning Man to produce their next record. Instead of merely producing, Acre instead joined the band and they recorded… Continue reading Album Review: YAWNING SONS’ Sky Island

Album Review: Crooked Flower’s Into the Light

California psych rockers Crooked Flower put out their sixth release, Into the Light, on October 15th.  Celebrating the party life with an anti-Prohibition undercurrent, “California” is not just a location for this album but also an adjective. Crooked Flower makes use of many influences, from the sorta-groovy to the truly psychedelic.  The ska-inspired guitar line… Continue reading Album Review: Crooked Flower’s Into the Light

NERD TALK with Kelly and Jessica from DAXMA

On the flip side of the Nerd Talk’s “shared culture” theme, I’ve also enjoyed getting submissions that discuss completely unexpected topics.  When members of Oakland post-doom band Daxma sent in their column, I was surprised to read about magic mushrooms and picture frames.  Yep, picture frames — or rather, “custom framing.”  Didn’t even know that was… Continue reading NERD TALK with Kelly and Jessica from DAXMA

Baldwin’s Choice: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. It’s an Olympic band name that such a huge band deserves. They consist of seven members – three guitarists, two drummers, multiple vocalists, bass and a guy who plays a mean harmonica. They’re also huge in terms of popularity, recently selling out every date on a headlining US tour.… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Rocky Mountain High: An Introduction to Plum

Formed barely a year ago, Denver rock band Plum is already making waves in the Colorado scene and poised to take their music nationwide. Plum describes themselves as “a psychedelic rock outfit that brings the aesthetic of 60’s and early 70’s music into a modern context” — and they do a good job of it. … Continue reading Rocky Mountain High: An Introduction to Plum

Album Review: Opium Denn’s Demarkation

Heavy on the Floyd, misspellings, and I can only imagine a lot of weed, mysterious art rock outfit Opium Denn will release their debut album Demarkation on October 23rd, 2015.  Demarkation is the first of three concept albums where each track will be accompanied by a psychedelic video chronicling the journey from birth to death.… Continue reading Album Review: Opium Denn’s Demarkation