ISAAK // GEEZER - Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes (Album Review)

Release Date: May 03rd 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

ISAAK // GEEZER - Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes - Tracklisting

1.Acid Veins (Geezer)

2.Little Voices (Geezer)

3.Mercury Rising (Geezer)

4.Oneirophrenia (Geezer)

5.The Whale (Isaak)

6.Crisis (Isaak)

7.Flat Earth (Isaak)

Review

Famed Heavy Rock Label Heavy Psych Sounds presents their latest split album release featuring two of their finest Cosmic Stoner Rock bands teaming up on a highly irresistible release featuring Cosmic Blues Rock Overlords GEEZER and Psychedelic Stoner Riffsters ISAAK. These two greats of the Stoner Rock scene bring their own trademark blend of Psychedelic Stoner Rock/Metal which are quite different to each other but both having the same purpose of providing the listener with a wicked style of highly energetic grooves and extended spaced out jams.

GEEZER provide four tracks of cosmic riffage which sees the band expand upon their Blues Rock and Cosmic dominated style with a freaky sideline within Seventies Space Rock aggression merging with a modern day Sludge Rock take on things appearing within Acid Veins and Little Voices being perhaps the standout tracks from GEEZER’s side of the split.

It’s good seeing GEEZER turning back the clock and venturing into sounds we’ve haven’t heard since their earlier album releases. There’s a ton of guitar reverb and fuzzed up feedback on GEEZER’s tracks which makes for some killer seedy instrumental sounds with Pat’s “Devil May Care” attitude and catchy vocals making a stirring impression on the final two tracks of Mercury Rising and Oneirophrenia. Plus with the added bonus of glitchy noises and a healthy overdose of SONIC feedback that sees GEEZER leaving you wanting to hear more from them on this release alone.

ISAAK’s side of the split release sees the band continue the experimental Stoner Metal sound heard on their last album HEY but with some familiar themes and creative ideas heard on their groundbreaking 2016 album Sermonize. The music is more fast-paced which you’ll encounter on The Whale with its Fuzzed Up Metallic attitude with a ton of Psychedelic aggression.

ISAAK keep going with that free-flowing Sludge/Stoner aggressive turn on the remaining two tracks of Crisis and Flat Earth with the band bringing a different theme to each track with the music constantly changing into something you don’t expect. ISAAK feel like a different band compared to HEY at times and that could be down to the creative partners or guest musicians who appear within their songs that are listed below:

Fabio Cuomo from Gotho & Liquido di Morte - THE WHALE

Fabio Palombi from Nerve & Burn the Ocean - CRISIS

Levre from Ufomammut - FLAT EARTH

My favourite track from ISAAK side of the split is FLAT EARTH as it feels like UFOMAMMUT in places especially within the Heavier Sludge movements that appear. This track also allows ISAAK to do their own thing at the same time. Though, Crisis is a track that could have easily come from their landmark album Sermonize but the harsh vocals give it a more unsettling appeal as well. So there’s something for everyone to enjoy, respect and admire from ISAAK’s music on this release alone.

Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes is a first rate collaboration from two of Heavy Psych Sounds roster of Psychedelic Stoner Rock/Metal outfits. This is a must have addition to all fans of GEEZER, ISAAK, Heavy Psych Sounds and Stoner Metal music in general.

As Pat from GEEZER would say - “You Dig” - and I most definitely do. Fantastic stuff…

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes will be available to pre-order on CD/DD/Vinyl now from Heavy Psych Sounds from Friday May 17th 2024.

Geezer Links

Facebook | BandCamp | instagram

ISAAK Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Cosmic Stoner Rockers GEEZER & Psych Stoner Rockers ISAAK Announce New Split Album. New GEEZER Track LITTLE VOICES Now Streaming

Cosmic Doom Rockers GEEZER and Psych Stoner Rockers ISAAK have teamed up for their stunningly heavy new split album Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes. The album will be released by Heavy Psych Sounds on CD/DD/Vinyl formats from May 17th 2024.

GEEZER have said this about their side of the split release with Interstellar Cosmic Blues:

"As the "Interstellar Cosmic Blues" half of this EP, we consider these songs to be some of the best that we've produced. Songs that could all be "singles" all on their own. And they better be because "The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes" brought some savage riffage of their own! Put it all together with amazing artwork by Mirkow Gastow and release it on Heavy Psych Sounds, the BEST record label on the planet... and you've got all the makings of a great record! A modern classic right out of the box. Dig it!"

ISAAK have said this about their side of the split release with The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes:

"Art comes from change and experimentation.

These three songs are exactly that.

Three songs, three different souls."

We're happy to premiere the GROOVY new single from GEEZER - Little Voices

Interstellar Cosmic Blues & The Riffalicious Stoner Dudes is available to Pre-order now on CD/DD/Vinyl now from Heavy Psych Sounds and will be released on May 17th 2024.

GEEZER Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | instagram

ISAAK Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR and Heavy Psych Sounds for all of the details.

GEEZER - Stoned Blues Machine (Album Review)

Release Date: May 20th 2022. Record Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Stoned Blues Machine - Tracklisting

1. Atomic Moronic

2. Logan's Run

3. A Cold Black Heart

4. Stoned Blues Machine

5. Broken Glass

6. Eleven

7. Saviours

8. The Diamond Rain Of Saturn

Members

Pat Harrington – Guitar & Vocals

Richie Touseull - Bass

Steve Markota – Drums & Percussion

Review

Cosmic Blues Unit GEEZER return with their new album Stoned Blues Machine and it’s the perfect description on how to describe the band’s music overall. The band fuse the Psychedelic Spaced Out Stoner Rock grooves of their last two albums. Psychoriffadelia and Groovy. Both different in so many different ways yet remarkably familiar as well. 

Stoned Blues Machine is GEEZER’s most Blues Rock based release since Psychoriffadelia and still manages to convey that heavy Cosmic sound that GEEZER have become known for. Perhaps far “looser” with a more easy going attitude compared to the last few releases. This album is more “BOOGIE” rock oriented which GEEZER haven’t done primarily for a while. 

There is still a “seedier” side to GEEZER on this album with dangerous lyrics contained throughout the album which you can hear from the excellent two opening tracks Atomic Moronic and Logan’s Run. The music is filled with Psychedelic/Cosmic/Blues Rock passages with Pat’s instantly recognizable vocals revelling in his “ringleader” role that has this wonderful showman quality to it all. 

The album ventures through heavy Cosmic/Psych based Stoner Rock moments with GEEZER on highly confident and inspired form. There’s a ton of great guitar solos contained on this album with excellent support from Richie on Bass and Steve on Drums providing the important musical foundations for GEEZER to truly work.

GEEZER don’t feel the need to reinvent themselves here which they did on their last two albums. This album shows a band wanting to play music for the sheer love of it all and the huge WEEDIAN aspect is always a damn good thing for a Stoner Rock/Metal album such as this

The album should be considered a celebration of what is great about GEEZER. Fantastic songs containing EPIC sounds and inventive ideas that only GEEZER can fully deliver.

Standout songs include: A Cold Black Heart, Stoned Blues Machine, Saviours and The Diamond Rain Of Saturn. With these tracks containing some of the heaviest and most “far-out” sounds that GEEZER have released to date. 

Stoned Blues Machine sees GEEZER working with Heavy Psych Sounds yet again and another EPIC reason why the album sounds incredible from start to finish. This album proves yet again why GEEZER are one of the most important and essential bands within the Stoner Rock/Metal underground scene. 

What else can I say about this album. Nothing much apart from - Add this album to your record collection now and just buy the DAMN THING!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Stoned Blues Machine will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Heavy Psych Sounds from May 20th 2022.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

GEEZER - Solstice (Song Review)

Release Date: May 07th 2021. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD.

Solstice - Tracklisting

Solstice - 17:05

Review

I’m always excited when Cosmic Stoner Blues Rockers GEEZER release new material and they released a fantastic 17 minute song by the name of Solstice for BandCamp Friday. The boys recorded an improvised jam session from their rehearsal space and this is the trippy and heavy result. GEEZER were probably playing in the moment when this was originally recorded. This is a different side to GEEZER we don’t hear that much and is perhaps similar to their “A Flagrant Disregard For Happiness” live session than their studio output.

The song builds up rather slowly with spaced out guitars and a trippy blues rock atmosphere with the band adding psychedelic noise along the way. It’s best to enjoy the song and go for the ride. There’s no vocals on this release just GEEZER proving once again what fantastic musicians they really are.

Solstice is a heavy record but perhaps a different kind of heaviness that we normally expect from GEEZER. Though it’s good to see the band playing a different and more subdued style of music compared to their usual sound. 

This release is perhaps better suited for long-time fans of the band though there is a lot to recommend for first time listeners of the band as well. This song gives a brief glimpse to what GEEZER are famed for and can be used as a starting point to check out their acclaimed releases.. 

Overall, Solstice is another great release from GEEZER and one that has superb hidden depths to it all for people to explore and admire.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Everything Is GROOVY With GEEZER - An Interview With GEEZER

GEEZER are one of my favourite bands within Stoner Rock/Metal underground and I'm always excited when the band release something new to impress myself with. The band released my favourite album of 2016 with their acclaimed self-titled record of that year.

GEEZER are back with their strangest and trippiest offering yet with GROOVY. This album sees the band explore their love for all things Psychedelic Rock and Spaced Out Rock though still containing that classic GEEZER sound.

Newly signed to Heavy Psych Records, I wanted to catch up with the band to see how life's been treating them and they kindly agreed to do this interview.

Hi Guys. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today.

All things considered, we are doing alright. Everyone is healthy, our families are healthy and we’re doing what we can to keep it that way.

For people not in the know or who have been living under a rock for the last decade or so. Can you give a brief history of how the band came together and where it is today.

The band was started by myself (Pat) and Chris Turco somewhere around 2010/2011. Initially we were just looking to make some heavy blues jams to play around the Hudson Valley. When I stumbled upon the stoner rock scene online, it widened our horizons quite a bit. I thought we could carve out a niche for ourselves in the community and with the release of our album Gage and beyond, I’m pretty happy with how it’s turned out. Although I am the only original member, the current lineup of Richie, Steve and myself have been together for almost 3 years now and I think (especially with this album) we’ve built on that history and we’re stoked on where this album took us as a band.

We are here to talk about your superb new album – GROOVY – which is slowly becoming my favourite album of yours yet. Congrats on the new album. What can people expect on this album.

Thanks so much! Considering how long you’ve been supporting us, that means a lot! As the band has evolved, we’ve tried to stick to the three pillars of the Geezer sound: Heavy, Trippy and Groovy. Our last EP, Spiral Fires was probably some of the trippiest shit we’ve done. As the title suggests, this time around we focused on the Groovy aspect of our sound. In addition, we spent a lot of time developing the songs, playing them live and really trying to nail everything down. There is still room for improvisation, but these songs were worked out much more than anything we’ve done since the self-titled record.

My own thoughts on the album it’s a mix of all your previous releases but still wildly different as well. Especially with the more Psychedelic Sounds and 70s Classic Hard Rock grooves whilst still retaining the music that GEEZER are known for. Is that something you agree or disagree with.

Yes, I agree with that completely. I think we’ve taken everything we’ve done up to this point and distilled it down to create a new way forward. I love trippy shit, especially when it’s mixed in with heavy ass riffs. To me, that is what makes stoner rock (or whatever you wanna call it these days) special. It’s cliche now, but Blues For The Red Sun was a monumental shift. Holy Mountain, Dopethrone, Spine Of God, Clutch, etc. When these albums came out NOTHING like that was happening in mainstream heavy music. For a lot of us, it was exactly what we were looking for. Throw in some classic rock grooves and a little weed, it doesn’t get any better than that.

What was the recording experience like for this album and did you do anything different for this album compared to your previous albums.

As I mentioned before, I think our preparation was the biggest difference. All the main parts were recorded in just two days, which is usual for us. This time, however, everybody had their parts nailed down like never before. Many of the solos were born out of jams, but by the time we got to the studio, I knew pretty much exactly what I wanted to do. Same goes for Richie and Steve, they worked their asses off to make these songs groove like no other. Steve especially made sure that if we were gonna call the album Groovy, it better be fuckin GROOVY! I think the results speak for themselves.

You’ve now signed to Heavy Psych Sounds for the release of this album. How did that come about. 

As you mention below, we’ve had the honor of working with some of the best labels in the stoner rock world and every one of them has been a great experience for us. This time around we wanted to shop the album, which we’ve never really done before. HPS was on the top of the list and Gabe moved very fast when he heard the album. He was very excited about it, which is what I wanted more than anything else. I wanted to not just release the record on a label, I wanted Geezer to be a priority. So far, this has definitely been the case.

Heavy Psych Sounds are perhaps one of the best underground labels to be upon. Did you know much of the label before signing with the band.

Hell yeah! HPS has been one of my favorite labels for a while and they’ve been killing it over the last few years, especially with the Nebula re-issues and new album, the Brant Bjork re-issues and new album, etc. Throw in bands like Duel, Gorilla, High Reeper, Ecstatic Vision, Black Rainbows, etc…. you can see why this is a label we wanted to be involved with.

Did you have any other offers from other labels or was it when Heavy Psych Sounds entered the picture. 

We did have some other offers, we just felt that right now, Heavy Psych Sounds is the right label for us. 

You guys have already been signed to some great labels in your career – Kozmik, STB Records and Ripple. What were the experiences like with this cool labels. And would you work with them again in the future.

Our experiences with these labels have been almost entirely positive and as you say, they are some of the best out there. One of the things that blows me away about the stoner rock scene is how it has it’s own little infrastructure that operates almost completely outside the mainstream music world. The labels that support this kind of music are a huge reason why the scene has been able to grow so much in the last few years. Now, more than ever, these guys need everyone’s support so we can all come through this thing and be able to keep it heavy in a post-COVID world. So buy some records, CD’s, whatever ya can to keep these guys going!

As for our experience, I look at it like this; when we hooked up with STB Records, they were the perfect label for us at that time. Steve was the first one to give Geezer a real chance and without him, our story would’ve been very different. Then Ripple entered the picture, again at the perfect time. Ripple expanded the band’s reach in a way that no other label could do at that time. 

Todd and Pope are great people, they are great to work with and we are forever grateful for everything they’ve done for us. Kai and Kozmik Artifactz stepped in at the perfect time as well. We were planning our first European Tour and needed to release Psychoriffadelia to a European audience at a very specific time. Kai was able to make it happen and it was a huge boost to our tour and a big reason why it was a success. Now with Heavy Psych Sounds, they are bringing us to a whole new audience. Personally I was very influenced by a lot of artists on HPS while writing this record, so it makes sense that it fits with the label musically and stylistically as well.

The album cover is freaking awesome and shows you what to expect with this album. Who designed the cover and how much input did you have into the overall design of the cover.

The cover was designed by a local artist, Ryan Williams (AKA - A Subtle Difference Design). This was the first album we’ve done where we’ve had a definitive concept in mind while the album was still being written. We knew what the title was going to be, we knew stylistically what the songs were gonna be like and we had a basic concept of what we wanted to do with the cover. Steve has his own apparel/screen printing company (Boneshaker MMXII) and is an awesome graphic designer as well. Since he’s been in the band, he’s been handling a lot of merch design for us, as well as show posters, album layouts, etc. He was the one to suggest bringing Ryan in for the artwork. We gave Ryan a basic idea of what we were looking for and he came up with the bulk of the cover on the very first try! We fell in love with it right away and judging from the reaction the cover has gotten across the board, we couldn’t be happier. As you say, it perfectly fits with the vibe of the music and where we’re at as a band today.

GEEZER albums have had some stunning artwork over the years. Can I ask what has been your favourite album cover and the reasons why.

Well right now the Groovy album cover is my favorite, it’s the kind of cover you can get lost in. That said, we’ve worked with many incredible artists over the years and have always tried to make album covers that reflect what your hearing on the album. Josh Wilkinson did the artwork and layout for the self titled record and in many ways, that was the high point as far as overall album package. STB Records of course, went above and beyond on that one. Alexander Von Wieding’s cover for Gage was also a game changer for us. Kim Zangrando was our “in house” graphic designer for many years and she did the layouts for Psychoriffadelia, A Flagrant Disregard For Happiness as well as many amazing gig posters, etc… Looking back on it all right now is a little surreal, we’ve been very fortunate.

Has it surprised you at how the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal Community has taken to GEEZER since your debut album.

I am grateful for all the support we’ve gotten over the years and in many ways it is very surprising. However, I’ve been doing this for a long time and in a lot of ways Geezer is the home I was always searching for (musically speaking). It took a long time to get here and the Stoner/Doom community had a large part in making that happen. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m more grateful than anything else. I am a fan of heavy, trippy music. With Geezer, this is the most honest music I’ve ever made. I’m extremely grateful that the Stoner/Doom scene provides us a way to share this music with with so many like-minded people who appreciate what we do. That is a very rare thing that I think too many people take for granted.

What comes first with the band when making an album. Lyrics or Music.

I’m a guitarist first. I really only started singing because I got sick of dealing with singers. That said, I’m a slave to the riff and that is almost always where things start for us.

COVID-19 has pretty much put a stop to all life as we know it for the time being. How big of an impact has it affected you guys. And how are you surviving in this stressful time.

We are all healthy at the moment, as are our families. That of course, is the most important thing. I have 2 young sons who have kept me more than busy over the last 2 months. In many ways I’m grateful they keep me so preoccupied because they keep me from staring into the abyss too long. Everyone in the band has been adhering to the shelter in place guidelines pretty strictly so we haven’t played in 2 months. For me, not being able to play in a band setting has been one of the hardest aspects of this experience. Standing in front of a loud amp while the kick drum caves my chest in repeatedly is where I find peace. Not being able to do that has been a drag, for sure.

After everything is back to some sort of normality. What does the future hold for GEEZER. Will you be touring the record at home and abroad.

We were already in the process of booking a European tour for the end of the year, but now who knows? I am not sure anything will be happening until next year. One step at a time, we’ll find a way.

What have been your favourite records that you’ve heard this year. Regardless of any genre.

New Lowrider album is so friggin amazing, I’m not sure anyone is gonna top it this year. I’ve also really been digging the Twin Wizard album and King Buffalo never disappoint! The Dozer re-issues have been a great reintroduction of the band for me and I’ve been listening to all three of those pretty hard, same with the new Brant Bjork and re-issues as well. 

There have also been some newer bands who’s albums have been big surprises for me. Bone Church, Charley No Face and Mooch are all bands I just got hip to and all their new albums are killer. Curse The Son’s new album is also out of site. They’re gonna turn a lot of heads when that bad boy comes out.

Pat – You’re also known for the amazing Electric Beard Of Doom – which you put on hiatus last year. Do you have any plans on resurrecting the show. As I used to love listening to your shows.

I recently did my first podcast in over a year. It can be found on the Electric Beard Of Doom Mixcloud page (Episode 109). It was nice to do it again and I hope to do more in the near future.

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom that you want to say to your fans.

We just hope everyone takes care of themselves and their neighbors. Think of the things that bring us together and be respectful of everyone’s needs as much as possible. We’re all in this together so we need to act like it. Be groovy to each other and try to find joy in every day. Dig.

Words by Steve Howe and GEEZER

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for arranging this interview. Thanks for GEEZER for doing the interview.

GROOVY will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Heavy Psych Sounds from May 29th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

GEEZER - GROOVY (Album Review)

Release date: May 29th 2020. Label: Heavy Psych Sounds. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

GROOVY – Tracklisting

1. Dig

2. Atlas Electra

3. Dead Soul Scroll

4. Awake

5. Groovy

6. Drowning On Empty

7. Slide Mountain

8. Black Owl

Members

Pat Harrington – Guitar & Vocals

Richie Touseull – Bass

Steve Markota – Drums & Percussion

Review

Psychedelic Stoner Rockers GEEZER make a welcome return with their new album Groovy. This album feels like the spiritual successor to their 2016 self-titled record which was my favourite album of the year and the best album I think GEEZER released so far. However, that view has changed again with their new offering. As GEEZER return with a steady mix of Blues Rock, Psych Rock, Space Rock and Stoner Rock that’s has a deep passion for all things for 70s Heavy Rock.

GEEZER sound different on this album compared to their previous albums. As they deliver an album that’s more content and riff-driven from start to finish. The Psychedelic/Space Rock mode of the album maybe the main driving force of this album but the band haven’t forgotten their classic Blues Rock/Stoner Rock roots. As Groovy is the album that will speak to all GEEZER fans and even bring a few more along for the action packed ride that this album ultimately delivers.

Opening song – Dig – opens with a heavy sprawling doom based riff before expanding into a trippy Blues Rock driven number which allows the band to merge their trademark sound with a riff-centric 70s outlook and it’s glorious on how GEEZER deliver the epic sounding riffs on this song. It may sound quite simple in places but the band have a lot going on with this song and for the structure of the whole album. Pat Harrington brings his grizzled charm to the album with kick-ass grooves, vocals and lyrics to match. Richie and Steve provide the fantastic rhythm section for this album to truly thrive.

Second song – Atlas Electra – is a trippy wonderland of different Psychedelic and Spaced Out sounds with Geezer playing a more subdued and slower style of music. The song is quite heavy in places but it’s the slow-paced and easy-going nature of the song that instantly draw you in. The lyrics feel inspired by 60s/70s Psychedelic Hard Rock and GEEZER feel more restrained on this song.

Third song – Dead Soul Scroll – feels like it could have easily came off their earlier releases with that instant catchy Psychedelic vibe being played at a lush slow pace. Though, the song becomes more different when the heavy guitars appear and Pat becomes Part-Shaman and Part-Spiritual Guide with his laid-back vocals that ooze centuries old Stoner Rock knowledge. This is one of my favourite songs on the album. As GEEZER try different things on this song especially with the Ambient Sounds and lyrics that have a hidden depth to them.

Fourth song – Awake – opens with a classic style of 70s Blues Rock/Funk/Psychedelic music as GEEZER bring a more classic hard rock approach to this song. The second half of the song sees GEEZER play an avalanche of non-stop heavy riffs with a cool organ being played in the background.

GEEZER carry on with the Psychedelic/Spaced Out theatrics on the second half of the album with the band never missing a beat in playing highly addictive and highly infectious grooves that show you why these guys are so highly thought of within the Stoner Rock/Metal scene.

The second half album does see GEEZER playing heavier riffs and familiar sounds on songs such as: Drowning On Empty, Groovy, Slide Mountain and Black Owl which is the standout song on the album. As GEEZER play a more progressive style of Psych/Stoner/Spaced Out Rock with the band having more time to play with on this song.

Heavy Psych Sounds are releasing this album and I can’t think of a better label for GEEZER to be signed at this moment in time. As Heavy Psych Sounds are on a rich vein of form releasing Psychedelic Stoner Rock/Metal releases that appeal to fans across the whole Stoner Rock/Metal spectrum.

GROOVY is a delightfully heavy experience with GEEZER back on top-form and releasing my favourite album from them yet. GROOVY is another album of the year contender and perhaps one of the Stoner Rock albums of the year next to the new albums from LOWRIDER and BLACK RAINBOWS.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. GROOVY will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Heavy Psych Sounds from May 29th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

GEEZER - Spiral Fires (EP Review)

Release date: February 8th 2019. Label: Kozmik Artifactz Records. Format: DD/Vinyl

Spiral Fires – Tracklisting

1.Spiral Fires Part 1 05:50

2.Spiral Fires Part 2 06:57

3.Darkworld 04:52

4.Charley Reefer 07:38

Members

Pat Harrington - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

Richie Touseull - Bass

Steve Markota - Drums & Percussion

Vocals on Spiral Fires (Pt. 2) by Pam Grande

Review

This is my first review that I’ve written since my brief retirement/hiatus that I announced earlier this year. Obviously it didn’t last long as I missed the scene too much and that’s thanks to bands such as GEEZER who drew me back to the Stoner Rock/Metal community. GEEZER have became one of my favourite bands from the scene over the last few years.

Their 2016 album was my favourite album of that year and it’s good to see GEEZER returning to that world with their excellent sounding new EP – Spiral Fires. Though this is perhaps the most Psychedelic Sounding version of GEEZER that we’ve heard so far. GEEZER have a new member in their ranks with Steve Markota joining the band on Drums & Percussion.

If you’re a fan of the Heavy Blues Rock sound that appeared on the last GEEZER album Psychoriffadelia then you’ll be happy to hear the band haven’t forgotten their Blues Rock roots on this EP as it’s the main driving force of the EP and one that allows GEEZER to play those dynamically heavy Psychedelic/Spaced Out sounds.

The EP only lasts for 25 minutes but GEEZER have put out a first rate release where all the songs are equally as good and strange as each other. Highlights for myself have to Spiral Fires Part 2 and the majestic sounding Charley Reefer.

Apparently there will be a new GEEZER album later this year. If the album is anything as good as Spiral Fires then GEEZER could have another epic sounding album on their hands and I for one will be counting down the days for it’s release.

Spiral Fires production is excellent which isn’t surprising since it’s been handled by GEEZER’s very own Pat Harrington who knows a thing or two on making records sound so good.

Overall, GEEZER have released another superb EP to their already highly impressive back catalogue and one that shows the Stoner Rock community why GEEZER are one of our most important bands working in the scene today.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Leanne at Mettle Media PR for the promo. Spiral Fires is available to buy Digitally now. Vinyl will be released later this year via Kozmik Artifactz Records.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

GEEZER - Psychoriffadelia (Album Review)

Release date: May 19^th 2017 (Digital). June 9^th 2017 (CD/Vinyl). Label: STB Records/Kozmik Artifactz Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Psychoriffadelia – Tracklisting

1.Hair Of The Dog

2.Stressknots

3.Psychoriffadelia

4.Red Hook

5.Dirty Penny

Members:

Pat Harrington: guitar/vocals

Richie Touseull: bass

Charles Ruggiero: drums

Review

Didn't we just have a new album from Geezer last year. I know we did as I made their self-titled album my favourite album of 2016. Now the guys are back with Psychoriffadelia. What can we expect from Geezer this time round. More of the same glorious spaced out/cosmic stoner sounds from the last album or something else altogether. Well I have good news and bad news in regards to the album. Bad news first, there are no traces of any cosmic/spaced out riffs from the last album. None at all. Don't let that put you off. The good news is that Psychoriffadelia is still another excellent album from Geezer where the riffs are king!!! –

Psychoriffadelia sees Geezer opt for a more stripped back psychedelic blues/stoner rock sound. This album sees Geezer going back to basics with a more vintage blues rock sound. It's still gloriously heavy and the opening track - Hair Of The Dog - shows that Geezer haven't lost their drive in creating highly energetic and infectious riffs. The mood and lyrics of the album are ever so playful like they were on the last album. It's quite a groove laiden sound and one we haven't heard from Geezer before.

Maybe Geezer will be one of those bands who try a different sound with each album that they release. The song has an excellent sing-along cheeky chorus that you will be singing along to in no time at all. The music drifts from classic stoner rock sounds to the more heavy pounding blues rock/metal kind of sound. Geezer are in boisterous form and the album is packed full of this angry and playful attitude.

Second track - Stressknots - is another blues rock driven sound with Pat's vocals having a slight Brant Bjork influence. It's good to see Geezer incorporating elements of Desert Rock at times though the focus is primarily on their favoured Blues/Stoner Rock hybrid sound.

The third track - Psychoriffadelia - offers a brief hope to the previous albums spaced out sound with a glitchy sounding radio transmission, but nope. Geezer still opt for this albums blues rock driven score. This song is one of two epic tracks that Geezer have provided here. This is my favourite song off the album as it sees Geezer in more of a laid back mood. The blues rock vibes create an early soothing atmosphere with moments of heavy stoner rock slowly creeping in. The mood becomes heavier and way more psychedelic as time passes by. This is the type of song is where Geezer always excel at as they love to jam with their musical instruments. It's purely an instrumental affair.

The final two tracks - Red Hook and Dirty Penny - are a mixture of laid back Blues Rock and Americana especially with Red Hook. As that song has a slight folk based feel. A cool slide guitar offers Geezer in more reflective mood. The final song - Dirty Penny - is an almost fourteen minute track where the band throw everything at you. Heavy psychedelic blues/stoner riffs played with aplomb and excellent lyrics that has a distinctive hard rock feel.

I can see why Geezer have released Psychoriffadelia instead of a more natural based follow-up to their last album. Sure I would have loved something similar to their last album though you have to give Geezer credit for releasing something different. It has a lot of things in common with their last album.

Both albums are particularly heavy and both show Geezer are masters in creating their own special kind of Blues/Stoner Rock sound. I still prefer their last album to Psychoriffadelia. Though this is still an exciting and fantastic sounding album to lose yourself in. Long-time fans will no doubt go crazy over this album and newer fans will enjoy the different variety of riffs on show. Psychoriffadelia is another outstanding album from Geezer

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Pat from Geezer and Kozmik Artifactz for the promo. Psychoriffadelia is available to buy on DD from May 19^th 2017. CD/Vinyl will be released via STB Records and Kozmik Artifactz from June 9^th 2017.

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