DEAD MEADOW

It is truly a feat the music this ear shattering heavy and monolithic is so relaxing and organic at the same time. And to imagine that it came from the DC scene, where hardcore punk was the standard is even more puzzling. Dead Meadow see to have came straight from outer space. Their music echoes of a spiritual vibe that is absolutely otherworldly. However in reality they are just a bunch of kids with a love of Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Led Zeppelin, as well as the surreal imagery that exist in their lyrics.

The album opens with Sleepy Silver Door, which is powered by a riff that is as power as it is beautiful. The songs drones along, drums plodding along at a classic stoner rock tempo as singer Jason Simon guiding us along on a surreal journey through mysterious lands masterfully illustrated by the groups instrumental prowess. The albums dreamlike qualities are perfectly demonstrated, before the Blue Cheer style boogie of Indian Bones. Yet even throughout the faster moment of the album, the psychedelic and dreamlike quality is maintained.

Jason Simon's masterfully played guitar solos are quite possibly the highlight of the album. His use of the wah metal to add to texture and feel is amazing. He treats the pedal like a child rather than just another effect to blast at the audience. The rhythm section of Steve Kille and Mark Laughlin are also masters of their craft, creating the powerhouse that drives Dead Meadow's sound.

So basically you'd be doing yourself a lot of good by checking out Dead Meadow, they're a band every fan of psychedelic music needs to hear. I honestly cannot imagine myself being a true fan of psychedelic without having heard this band, and this album perfectly represent their earth shattering sound.