Release Date: August 19th 2022. Record Label: Psycho Waxx. Format: DD/Vinyl
Palo Verde - S/T - Tracklisting
1.Gasoline
2.1975
3.Rainbird
4.Meet Your Devil
5.Purple River
6.Jetplane
7.La Tolvanera
8.Warped
Review
Stoner Rockers Psychlona return with their third album Palo Verde and their first for new label Psycho Waxx. The new record label from the organisers of the Psycho Las Vegas Festival. This album sees Psychlona branch out into other areas of Classic Hard Rock that may surprise you along the way. Take the opening song Gasoline which made me think, am I listening to Psychlona from the UK or a totally different band with the same name.
Gasoline is a FUZZED UP with seedy intentions with the band embracing a sixties Surf Rock attitude and up-tempo Blues Rock grooves. Throw in the usual mix of Seventies Classic Hard Rock themes and powerful Stoner Rock vibes. Psychlona’s seedier lyrics and boisterous vocals seem tonally different from their acclaimed last album. However, this works to the bands favour as this album has a deliciously addictive sound. Certain parts of the song remind me of Chris Montez classic pop song Let’s Dance but that could be my mind playing tricks on me.
Second song 1975 is an ode to bands such as Truckfighters, KYUSS and FU MANCHU with the band focusing on a more straightforward style of Stoner Rock/Metal with Seventies based production values expanding that FUZZIER sound even further. Heavier Psych Extended Jams allow the guitars to be quite intense in places with an almost “Post-Doom” flavour appearing for a more SABBATH based sound.
Two songs in and Psychlona are on their way in playing some of the best music of their careers to date with songs such as: Rainbird, Meet Your Devil and Purple River all having sublime lyrical content, first class vocals and a ton of epic sublime grooves and extended guitar jams.
Gasoline, Meet Your Devil and Purple River are the standout tracks on the album. As Psychlona show such depth with their music by exploring other areas of music I didn’t expect to hear from them. The album is a wild ride in places whilst honouring the legendary sounds of the Stoner Rock/Metal scene. Maybe, the band have aimed BIG for this release and some parts even have mainstream or commercial rock appeal especially on the later stages of the album.
The final three songs of Jetplane, La Tolvanera and Warped offer eighteen minutes of free-flowing Stoner Rock/Metal attitude with the added approach of Seventies Classic Hard Rock sounds merging superbly with the Psych Rock vibes that Psychlona have laid down for this part of the album. Jetplane is another personal favourite of mine from the album.
Throw in first class production values and this is the most fun journey and exciting album that Psychlona have released so far. Palo Verde is packed full of Stoner Rock anthems that could allow Palo Verde being one of the most defining Stoner Rock albums of the year.
Awesome stuff….
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Richard at Sheltered LIfe PR for the promo.
Palo Verde will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Psycho Waxx from August 19th 2022.
Links
Official | Facebook | BandCamp
