Fire up the bong 'cause Russian power trio The Re-Stoned are back again to launch you into stoned out oblivion with another colossal sounding slab of psychedelic / space rock.
Appropriately titled, Analog, their second studio disc for RAIG, is comprised of seven instrumental 'jams' which were all composed and improvised live on the spot over a period of two weeks. Once again framed in the warm 'n hazy glow that only an analog recording can provide and mixed and mastered by fellow conspirator Alisa Coral of Space Mirrors and Psi Corps fame, Analog is expertly packed to the hilt with acid drenched riffs, constantly shifting, muscular grooves and murky atmospherics.
There's no turning back as they explode right out of the gate with the cosmic crunch of opening track "Northern Lights". Guitarist Ilya Lipkin wastes little time going for the jugular, assaulting you with his seemingly never ending arsenal of punishing riffs and effects laden solos, while the expert rhythm section of bassist Vladimir Nikulin and newly acquired drummer Vladimir Muchnov, lock things down tight with a rock solid groove. This is only the beginning, as from there the band shifts gears effortlessly into the title track which is a monumental eleven minute foray into the cosmos, where the listener is once again treated to more of Lipkin's full-on, in your face guitar wizardry. "Put The Sound Down Or Get The Hell Out", pretty much continues along the same lines, with a vicious opening riff that post Sabotage era Black Sabbath would have died for. Another definite highlight on this magnificent sounding opus is the atmospheric epic "Crystals", which reveals Lipkin's penchant for lengthy, bluesy solos. This track further accentuates the importance of Nikulin's thick 'n rubbery bass lines and Muchnov's ever shifting percussive work, which are absolutely key ingredients as to why these epic (yes I know, there's that word again) jams are so damn effective. The band ventures out into funkier terrain on "Music For Jimmy" before closing things out with their longest composition "Dream of Vodyanoy". Most likely named after the evil, Slavic water spirit, this track is nothing short of true compositional brilliance. I don't know how else I can possibly describe the mesmerizing feeling of being held under their spell, as they languidly weave their way through these densely layered, psychedelic textures. It's the perfect culmination to what can only be described as an absolutely flawless musical journey.
Music made by instrumental power trios rarely sound this good or are as engaging as what's been offered up here on Analog. The Re-Stoned are the real deal!
Track Listing
1) Northern Lights
2) Analog
3) Put The Sound Down Or Get The Hell Out
4) Crystals
5) Feedback
6) Music For Jimmy
7) Dream Of Vodyanoy
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