California's The Living Suns categorize themselves as prog - stoner - jam - psychedelic rock and although that gives them a wider palette to work from, it conjures up an impression of the type of music one would expect to hear from them that doesn't materialize in reality. They are not as self indulgent as a prog band might be, not as whacked out as some stoner rock bands, far too focused to be a jam band, but they do have the imagination that all good psychedelic bands possess. What their stated influences seem to refer to is that they write classic psychedelic type songs with a more modern form of instrumentation and classic prog type songs with tight melodies and harmonies and no excess baggage just there for the ride. Their self titled album is packed with a dozen absorbing and entertaining offerings that bodes well for a long term future for the band.
'Hook, Line and Sinker' is a strident album opener with a complex, twisting an turning arrangement that remains tight and focused throughout, topped off by some fine vocals.'I We Praise' kicks of with a dense barrage of tom toms and growling riif, this is countered by melodic harmony but full on vocals and Hammond organ. 'Gestle' is a gentler song with subtle 'orchestration' that sits in fine contrast to the more uptempo offerings.'MPC' changes tempo throughout the song and has some nice jazzy flourishes in places and is closest of all the tracks to clssic prog, albeit very concise and well executed.'Shotgun Man' rounds the album off and has touches of various influences showing through but sounds entirely up to date.
If you like serious, thoughtful music that is carefully arranged, very well played and above all concise, then this album might just be what you're looking for. It remains engaging and entertaining throughout and is highly recommended.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank of M100 and Honeyoon On Mars 12-26-08
Buy Now!!!
1. Hook Line And Sinker 2. 1,000 Ways To Use A Dollar 3. I We Praise 4. When We Try 5. Watch Your Ways 6. Gestle 7. Man In The Middle 8. MPC 9. Downers And Ditches 10. Believer 11. Far From The Trees 12. Shotgun Man
All content posted here on Psychedelic Central, excluding public domain graphics, youtube videos and other forms of public domain material, is copyright protected and may not be copied or used for any purpose without prior writen authorization and consent from the legal copyright holders.
