Release
date: May 27th
2016. Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
5
– Tracklisting
1.
Hive
2.
Proterozoic
3.
044MZP
4.
The 27th Sun
5.
Lupine
6.
Being Boiled
7.
We Are ‘e’ Dismal
8.
Jimmy
9.
The Retreat
Band
Members:
Tommy
Grenas
Michael
Esther
Paul
Hischier
Abby
Travis
Chris
Nakata
Review:
It’s
been a long time since Farflung visited our solar system with their
heavy spaced out stoner riffs. Eight years to be precise with A Wound
In Eternity. They’ve released a few split albums with bands such as
Fatso Jetson. So when Farflung decide to release a new album of their
own then all you spaced out riffsters need to take note as the band
may have delivered their best album yet.
5
is a pure masterclass in sonic projectory where the riffs are deeply
hypnotic and brimming full of ideas other Space/Stoner Rock bands
cannot match. Opening track – Hive – is classic Farflung but with
new moments of psychedelic/prog rock spliced with trippy vocals to
keep your mind, body and soul addicted to those crazy out of world
sounds. The instrumental work is superb through out. What else did
you expect from a band such as Farflung as they’ve been creating
music for over two decades now. They can still show the psych/space
rock bands of today a thing or two.
Second
track – Proterozoic – is classic Farflung with the band showing a
keen ear for sonic experimentation. It’s a heavy distorted sound
that has many different layers to keep you entertained. It may not be
to everyone’s tastes but Farflung have always played by their own
rules. The vocals are quite frantic at times and they lose focus from
time to time but it’s the music that holds your attention.
Third
track – 044MPZ – is more of a straight-forward Stoner/Space Rock
song with flashes of classic psych rock vibes giving way to a calmer
style of progressive rock. Soothing flutes play in the background
that allows you to focus on the quieter and experimental style of
Farflung’s music. This is perhaps the band channelling their love
for all things Uriah Heap and other bands from the legendary 70s prog
rock scene.
This
is an expansive and highly experimental album. It’s a great sound
as it allows Farflung to explore sounds they created on their earlier
albums and give them a heavier makeover. Other great songs to check
out are: Lupine, We Are, Dismal Jimmy and The Retreat. It’s perhaps
on Lupine and The Retreat where Farflung create a heavier sound that
long-time fans may not be used to though a few listens to the album
will soon change their minds.
Overall,
5 is the album that Farflung needed to come back with. Mainly to show
the world they’re still one of the premier underground
Psych/Stoner/Space Rock Bands currently out there. Excellent and
Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo. 5 will be available to buy
on CD/DD/Vinyl from Heavy Psych Sounds from May 27th 2016.
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