Wednesday, 6 November 2019

AyahuascA - Naad (Album Review)


Release date: November 01st 2019. Label: Salty Dog Records. Format: CD/DD

Naad – Tracklisting

1.Intro 02:40
2.Vicious Mothers 05:00
3.Masses 04:56
4.Before Death 02:05
5.I Wanna Fall 04:14
6.Inner Space 05:10
7.Before Life 00:59
8.The Black One 03:27
9.Underwater 01:52
10.The Seer & The Queen 06:01

Members

Domiziana Pritchard – Lead Vocals
Becky Sahira – Synth and Backing Vocals
Mek Spazio – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Andrea De Dominicis – Bass Guitar
Matteo Orzi - Drum

Review

Naad is the new album from Italian Psychedelic Stoner Rock Collective – AyahuascA – who also add strands of Space Rock and 60s/70s sounding grooves for a vintage pop-based sounds on certain parts on the album. That doesn’t stop AyahuascA playing some fantastically heavy sounds when the mood calls for it. The album maybe an acquired taste for some but you have to admire AyahuascA for releasing something different.

The dual vocals have a certain Blues Rock feel to them but it’s the riffs and songwriting where the band impress the most. As everything is quite experimental on this album and AyahuascA just have a rich creative streak within their musical DNA. The music can be quite slow at times and shows an almost JAZZ style of music that allows the fantastic vocals from Domiziana, Becky and Mek to really shine through.

I quite enjoyed the “chill-out” effect that the band employ on the earlier stages of the album especially on the excellent laid-back and beautifully heavy song – Masses. This is a song where AyahuascA will delight and confuse listeners with their hybrid sound that really starts to gather pace. Though it can be quite hard work when the band play a more Post-Rock/Jazz based groove. It will take some time to get used to AyahuascA style of music but it’s well worth investment especially when the heavy riffs appear and moves the album into different musical environments.

Standout songs include – I Wanna Fall, Inner Space, The Black One and The Seer & The Queen.

AyahuascA take influence from bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Jimi Hendrix, All Them Witches and The Black Angels. It shouldn’t really work but there is something dangerously addictive about this album and AyahuascA overall sound that I was wholly impressed by it all.

The production is loud and vibrant from start to finish. AyahuascA have released an excellent and almost surreal album that will have you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re a fan of 60s/70s Psych Rock but with a modern Stoner Rock twist then my advice is to check this great band out now.

Words by Steve Howe

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