A RAINING SUN OF LIGHT AND LOVE, FOR YOU AND YOU AND YOU

While most stoner rock bands draw influences from Black Sabbath and Hawkwind, Titan adds more influences into the mix. They incorporate the spirit and attitude of 70's progressive rock bands to their raw and druggy sound. This is a great step forward within their genre and compared to other "retro" bands they are still a force to be reckoned with.

The sound and feel of the albums is firmly rooted in the 70's and although this can be a bad thing if one's looking for innovation, if we talk about how good the music is then it's another different story. They have a wide array of influences ranging from bands such as Neu!, Ash Ra Temple, Hawkwind, Rush, Mahavishnu Orchestra (although less disciplined) and even Comus. Now try imagining all of those bands mixed and served with a coating of some good ol' stoner rock. From the fuzzed guitars, to the steady-yet-interesting rhythm section and the different kinds of keyboards such as the Hammond organ (for the heavier parts) and the moog (for the intergalactic trips) all of these instruments help create this wonderful retro sound.

All of the songs here are around the 10 minute mark and they have plenty of time to develop their sound. All of the songs have different moods and themes, but all are centered in showing off their prog influences (and jams). The first songs starts with their only vocals in the whole album sounding like Roger Wootton from Comus and then switching to a organ/ guitar power duo leading us into the extended jam for there on after. The second song is the "heavy prog" song in the album giving us nods to Goblin, Bigelf and other "heavy prog" bands while still having a trippy atmosphere in the whole song. Sadly this song isn't very varied and its the weakest of the bunch. The third songs kicks us back in action and now with a space rock vibe and Acid Mothers Temple-ish synth effects. This song also shows their stoner rock roots more clearer and its the highest point in the album. The last song is their Krautrock moment. A single motorik beat keeps the song going echoing Neu! in their prime and an excellent song to finish the album.

As you can see by reading this review if you're looking for innovation then good luck finding it here, but if you want some prog inspired stoner rock jams then this is your stop. Also if you enjoy bands such as Comets on Fire, Dead Meadow, Colour Haze, Mammatus and related then this is for you too. Highly recommended for people who found this review interesting.

3.5 out of 5

(Don't let the star rating fool you. If you're interested in this band then don't hesitate and check them out.)