| Print |

Written by Marc Farr Tuesday, 24 November 2015 19:25

With a decadent stir of the psychedelic soup, the members of the Gods Themselves have made a niche for themselves.

 

 

Hailing from Seattle, Wash., the trio known as the Gods Themselves has just lavished upon the public its sophomore LP, Pink Noise. With a hybrid ’60s psychedelic sound, the album brings a new approach on psych-rock to life. With a lo-fi production courtesy of the band themselves, the vibe they capture is one of nostalgia—yet not just that of the Sixties.

There is a modern-ism to the band’s sound; guitar work reminiscent of early Jefferson Airplane, mixed with a B-52’s/Kate Pierson–toned vocal, creates a new take on a well-loved genre. Lead vocalist and guitarist Astra Elane is a powerhouse of talent and style. Her wah-wah pedal-heavy approach is fun and daring. The two-part harmonies bring to mind the vocal work of Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, yet with a more punk delivery. Bassist Dustin Patterson brings rhythmic patterns in the vein of Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), as well as part two of the vocal harmonies.

Shades of EDM acts such as Deee-Lite show up on this eclectic album. Dripping with that psychedelic taste, the band brings modern elements with them. Experimental concoctions and vocal arrangements make for an interesting listen. While this sound has been done before, and probably better, the album holds its own with the energy behind the material.

With a decadent stir of the psychedelic soup, the members of the Gods Themselves have made a niche for themselves, updating the genre with a new, modern twist, an almost punk-like delivery. Danceable and groovy, the album brings out one’s inner spirit. Spotlight tracks include “Tangerine,” which opens the album, and “Higher Places,” a fun romp with heavy shades of early Jefferson Airplane and Fleetwood Mac.

Overall, the trio’s second effort is purposeful and approachable, a lo-fi production—and the honesty of the instruments, as opposed to sequencers and computers. B | Marc Farr