The Nashville psychedelic hard rock act known as All Them Witches have sure been busy since their inception back in 2012, managing plenty of live dates in support of a few studio releases, their latest album Sleeping Through the War set to catapult them into 2017 in a big way. The bands penchant for fuzz-toned guitar riffs surrounded by a wash of rootsy, psychedelic pop majesty is in abundance here, providing for a fresh take on retro sounds for the modern generation.
"Bulls" kicks things off in grand fashion, a herculean stomp that recalls early heavy favorites Blue Cheer at their acid/fuzz drenched best, which leads into the hilarious "Don't Bring Me Coffee", an upbeat, alternative/psych freakout for all those who don't subscribe to the java craze (myself being one of them) and containing hints to Seattle legends Nirvana. "Bruce Lee" is a vibrant psych/punk rocker, images of the MC5 or The Stooges drifting about the raucous arrangements, before the band slow down for the atmospheric "3-5-7", showing they can groove in sludge or post rock quarters as well, the guitar licks bluesy yet hefty and the drumming & keyboard textures intoxicating. Those somewhat mediative post rock qualities again appear on the dreamy "Am I Going Up", with the vocals and trippy guitar work taking the listener off into the stratosphere before the booming fuzz and space rock of "Alabaster" kicks in, Charles Michael Parks' almost spoken word vocals popping in and out of walls of heavy guitars and psychedelic keyboards. A similar vibe is experienced on "Cowboy Kirk", the vocalist going for more of a crooning tone yet the guitars are thick and fuzzy, drummer Robby Starbler putting on a clinic underneath with some serious chops. The closing near 10-minute epic "Internet" is like a head on collision between The Doors and Lou Reed, Parks's naked drawl surrounded by electric piano, harmonica, and Ben McCleod's jazzy guitar licks.
Not necessarily an album that you'll fully 'get' on the very first listen, Sleeping Through the War will reveal more of its riches with subsequent spins. All Them Witches' take on modern psychedelia is certainly different than most, and has plenty of commercial appeal, so dive in and check it out!
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. Bulls
2. Don't Bring Me Coffee
3. Bruce Lee
4. 3-5-7
5. Am I Going Up
6. Alabaster
7. Cowboy Kirk
8. Internet
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