Release Date: July 26th 2024. Record Label: TeePee Records. Formats: DD/Vinyl
Retrieval: Tracklisting
1. Maelstrom
2. Desirable Sequel
3. Intermediate Death
4. Blackish Honeycomb
5. Moon Canyon
6. More Than I
Review
It's been a long wait since we last heard from Sacri Monti, five years out from 2019's 'Waiting Room for the Magic Hour' was released and now the next hour of magic is upon us with the glorious album 'Retrieval'. It seems as though the band have returned to expand our minds and overstimulate our senses, building on their repertoire as one of the premier heavy psych bands around. Formed back in 2012 and releasing their self-titled debut in 2015, the band have had years of perfecting their craft with two highly praised studio albums as well as a live album recorded from the Sonic Whip Festival in 2022.
The album starts with 'Maelstrom' as you're immediately tossed into the swirling vortex of organ flourishes, 70's proto-metal guitar riffs, grooving bass notes, and the introduction of the monster behind the drum kit. As you catch your breath 'Desirable Sequel' begins with the familiarity of an old song almost like you've heard it before. The vocals are filled with emotion as the melody and tone make it sound as though it could certainly fit well on the classic album 'Argus' from Wishbone Ash. The midway point goes into a prog-filled organ sequence, then into a guitar galloping bridge accompanied by harmonizing guitars before tumbling back into that beloved chorus.
'Intermediate Death' is one of the catchiest tunes on 'Retrieval', the groove and lyrics will be stuck in your head for days. It pulls together all of the rock influences of the collective members combining their natural talent, raw energy, and the psychedelic atmosphere they're known for resulting in 70's inspired lightning in a bottle. Though there have been prog moments earlier, 'Brackish Honeycomb' takes the progressive elements into hyperdrive but with an almost jazzy undertone with the rhythm section navigating the path through the time changes. The interlude has some amazing guitar work and sounds like Cactus and Deep Purple joined together for an extended jam of pure retro greatness.
After the dust has settled, 'Moon Canyon' takes us on a short acoustic journey with shades of Pink Floyd with the slide guitar but also a Led Zeppelin vibe with the orchestral violin sound of the keys, think of 'Fat Old Sun' meets 'Thank You'. This leads us to the last track and the longest on the album at 9:26, 'More Than I'. It starts with a medieval sounding intro that morphs into a composition of classic rock, lead guitar worship, and on the back half of the track you could easily imagine it's 1971 and the band is playing in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii.
The heavy psych scene of California has been flooded with talent for many years, giving birth to a multitude of cherished bands. Sacri Monti would be on the Mount Rushmore of that scene and with 'Retrieval' have delivered a technical and vibrant reflection of 70's rock, filled with the progressive components and psychedelia of the era but completely of their own design.
Words by Jon McGough
Thanks to Sheltered Life PR for the promo.
Retrieval will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via TeePee Records from Friday 26th July 2024.
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