Psych rock "The Great Expanse" by Isak

Fuzzy tries not to use the word "EPIC" too often, because then it won't mean what it should. But let's break it down and see how it works on the new album from the UK's Isak named "The Great Expanse." It's 45 minutes. It's got great rifts. The album flows with climbs up thundering peaks and dives deep into chill valleys, finally ending in a with such a grand conclusion that your mind is left wondering what just happened. The beat section keeps it heavy when it's needed and backs off as required to let the guitar work shine through. Finally, this has had so many spins here in The Swamp during the past month that I'm left with only one word for this album ... EPIC! Check out "The Great Expanse" from Isak:

Three of the seven tracks have vocals which float over the music very nicely, and the instrumental tracks have so much going on that you won't mind they are without singing. The album plays so well as a whole there's not really any need to single out a particular song, but I will say that the final track "Call of the Void" crystallizes Isak's sound at its finest. But start at the beginning and enjoy the ride until you get to this song.

Isak

Isak is from Scotland with members:

• Joe McGarrity (Guitar/Vox)
• Mark Tait (Bass)
• Robert "Twigs" McLean (Drums)
• Hannah White - The Deity (additional vocals)

From the band:

Isak came together early 2012 to create music we love. After a long summer of jamming and soul searching, we are ready to let you ride along. Our music is a blend of heavy fuzz, stoner grooves and psychedelic space jams.

Follow Isak on Bandcamp to keep up with their music and news:

Desert rock COBRA THIEF "Animal Oxygen"

Fuzzy is embarrassed to admit I have not heard COBRA THIEF before, but I'll catch up by saying their sound floats along the dividing line between heavy psych and stoner rock in a way that is definitely unique and that I really dig! Yesterday was the first warm day of the year here in The Swamp, so me and Mrs. Cracklins knocked back a few stiff ones out on the patio while we let our neighbors listen to this at maximum volume, and they loved it! And so did we! Check out "Animal Oxygen" from Cobra Thief:

We enjoyed the album so much we played it again this morning to see how to sounds while sober, and it still sounds great. I gotta say, it is the rare album that everyone in the Cracklins Clan can agree on, but this is one of them.

This album is one fuzzy heavy hitter after the next, and the best is saved for last with "Graveyard Earth" which can only be described as a stoner psych anthem. The tone, the length, the lyrics, the fuzz..... this is a great song.

Every song just knocks it out of the park. After each heavy hitter, I was expecting a song that took a little breather, but nope -- the next one is just as hard and loud as the others. Fuzzy digs this album!


COBRA THIEF is:

• Charlie: Bass/Vocals
• Kevin: Drums
• Paul: Guitar/Vocals

From the band:

Cobra Thief is a perfect mix of Kyuss, Soundgarden and Mountain. Deep, spaced out Rock’N’Roll since 2017.

Be sure to follow the band on Bandcamp to stay up on their news.

Get the vinyl at Cobra Thief's Bandcamp page or from their web site:

"Aphasia" from Stonus drops on March 6

The stoners of Cyprus are back with their new album and it delivers more of the heavy riffs, clean guitars, and smooth vocals that filled their debut EP. It's been over a year since the debut EP from STONUS, and on March 6 they will drop their first full album called "Aphasia" which delivers the signature desert rock sound we heard from the EP delivered this time with a fuller, more mature sound. I've heard the 7 tracks and I'm glad to report they will be getting the vinyl they deserve.

While the new album "Aphasia" delivers the same stoner rock with layers of psych that we heard on their EP, this new effort also brings a new level of maturity. The songs are fuller and more developed and overall have a more somber and serious tone about them. This is a band that is growing into their sound and I really dig it!


I dig the flow of the album with its heavier songs blended with more psychedelic sounds, and if I have to pick a favorite song, I would go with the final track "Ghost Town" because it captures everything this band has going for it: desert rock that is perfect for any stoned-out party.


Stonus is from Cyprus along with the members:

• Vocals: Kyriacos Frangoulis
• Lead Guitar: Pavlos Demetriou
• Rhythm Guitar: Nicky Ray
• Bass: Andreas Aristides
• Drums: Kotsios Demetriades

From the band:

The Debut Album "Aphasia" is  41:43 minutes fully analog from the Cypriot Heavy rockers Stonus, recorded mixed and mastered at Wreck it Sounds Studios in Corinth, Greece under the supervision of George Leodis. The LP will be released on vinyl through Electric Valley Records and CD Digipack through Daredevil Records.

Album release is on March 6.

Pre-orders start on Feb. 13 for the vinyl. Follow Stonus on Bandcamp to stay on top of their news: