Release Date: January 14th 2022. Record Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Format: DD/CD/Vinyl
The Long Morrow - Tracklisting
1.Defector (of Future Days) 04:19
2.Murder Klipp 04:47
3.Lavender Bleu 05:12
4.LeDü 02:51
5.The Long Morrow 19:45
Review
Big Scenic Nowhere return with new album The Long Morrow and sees the core lineup of Tony Reed, Bill Stinson, Gary Arce and Bob Balch join forces with Reeves Gabrels (THE CURE/DAVID BOWIE) and Per Wiberg (OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS) on guitars and synth respectively.
I’m a huge fan of Big Scenic Nowhere previous releases and I will admit The Long Morrow took me a damn long time to fully warm up to and richly appreciate. Big Scenic Nowhere brings a Punk Rock and Prog Rock attitude to their usual style of Desert/Stoner Rock. Lead vocalist Tony Reed offers a more classic hard rock approach to his vocals whilst retaining an easy-going attitude throughout the album.
The majority of the songs except the epic 20 minute final song last around the 3 mins to 5 mins mark with the band playing not only to their main musical influences but also their musical heroes such as Led Zepplin and Husker Du. The grooves are quintessential Desert/Stoner Rock which you expect from this “supergroup”. Well I think they’re a “supergroup” and I’m calling them that.
The opening songs Defector (of Future Days) and Murder Klipp bring a soulful style of music with Psychedelic Heavy Layers of hazy Stoner Rock. The synths of Per Wiberg bring a fresher style of Prog Rock with a more dynamic presence which can be quite “Spaced Out” at times.
If you’re a fan of Big Scenic Nowhere previous releases then The Long Morrow is a welcome release to their already impressive discography. Just be prepared for twinges of 70s Prog Rock appearing and becoming quite abstract on certain stages of the album. Though the band never loses sight they’re primarily a Desert/Stoner Rock outfit and everything is built around this especially with the lyrics and creative choices made for the album.
The standout song is the 20 minute epic song The Long Morrow with the band creating epic Desert/Stoner Rock grooves and jams with dynamic Prog Rock rhythms leading the way. Perhaps one of the band’s best tracks to date. As the song is rich with bold storytelling and sublime vocals to match.
The production on The Long Morrow ranks as one of their best produced efforts to date. The record sounds super-fresh and allows Big Scenic Nowhere to try many different things compared to previous releases.
My favourite Big Scenic Nowhere record is most definitely their 2020 debut full length VISIONS, however The Long Morrow isn’t too far behind. Big Scenic Nowhere have built their reputation on wonderfully solid hooks and jams to leave you wanting more and this record does just that.
Overall, this is a release not only perfect for long-time devotees of the band but also for the casual listener as well.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo.
The Long Morrow is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds.
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