Kyuss : Welcome To Sky Valley

As you grow up and accumulate cd’s and records throughout the years, musical tastes tend to change or mature. Some stuff I have in my collection ,from ten years ago, almost makes me cringe. However, other albums stand the test of time and always live with you. One of the albums I am talking about is “Welcome To Sky Valley” by Kyuss.

When I first heard this band in 1995, they were just about to disband . Despite almost ludicrous amounts of critical acclaim, they never seemed to get anywhere. Thankfully, I discovered them before it really was too late. Tensions came to a head and the world lost one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Not before making some of the best guitar records ever, though. Kyuss’ “blues-based retro rock” was monumental and stunningly heavy. The four-piece honed their skills, throwing regular desert parties in their hometown of Palm Springs, California for their friends.

These skills developed into a sound influenced by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Lynard Skynard and guitarist Josh Homme’s favourite American punk bands. Of course, Homme is now ridiculously famous with Queens Of The Stone Age , but there was a time only those in the know, understood what an accomplished guitarist he was.

Kyuss’ second album “Welcome To Sky Valley” stands shoulder to shoulder with any Hendrix, Zeppelin or Sabbath release. A collaboration with Masters of Reality’s Chris Goss, the album’s sleevenotes insist you “listen without interruption” as this is one hypnotic trip.

“Gardenia” kicks off the record with a thick riff that has since spawned thousands of copyists. Vocalist John Garcia sings with a bluesy howl ,that you soon come to love, reminiscent of Lynard Skynard. The band were famed for their awesome live power and I can imagine this one going down a storm.

Next track “Asteroid” changes the pace, Kyuss were not one-trick ponies. Starting with blissful guitar sounds, this instrumental effort soon let’s loose, pummelling your senses into submission. The band had a unique ability to almost bludgeon, with their thick soup sound.

One of my favourite Kyuss tracks of all time is, “Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop”, which shows the band were obviously under the influence of a plethora of illegal substances. Ludicrous song titles aside, this is arguably Kyuss’ finest moment. The rhythm reminds of why I love heavy rock. Regardless of your opinion of that genre, this song is just outstanding. Music does not get any heavier than this.

“Space Cadet” is a mellow acoustic jam, highlighting maturity for a band who were all still in their early 20’s. Garcia’s vocals sound like something from Page and Plant’s “Gallows Pole”. While, “Conan Troutman” again displays Kyuss’ awesome force. This is a short burst of a song with driving rhythm’s and fraught guitars.

Finishing proceedings off, is 8 minute epic “Whitewater”, featuring Josh Homme’s best ever guitar work. Homme claims he had never heard any Black Sabbath records when growin up. If that is the case, then he was chosen by the devil himself, as Tony Iommi’s heir to the throne.

Criminally ignored, despite bands such as Metallica and Faith No More often name-checking them, Kyuss disbanded after just four critically acclaimed albums. Of course, they will always have a cult following, but so many people missed out on them. Witness Kyuss’ awesome live power on the video posted above. Once described by a Kerrang! journalist as “worth selling your legs to witness”, I would give anything for a reunion.

Okay, I’ve already posted this a couple of days ago on Boring Machines, but I love finding out about great new bands and I’m sure most of you do to.  So here are my tips for 2007, please check these guys out and leave your comments, I’d love to hear your opinions…

Romance of Young Tigers

This Dayton, Ohio three-piece absolutely blew me away with their self- titled, self-released Ep. They make one incredible sound using just two guitars and one bass. I was inclined to give it a 90% score in this review, with “Long Withdrawing Roar” and “We Sing Sin” being some tremendous compositions. The Ep will be getting a release, via Arclight Communications, on 10” vinyl in 2007. There is an aura of something special surrounding this band. Remember seeing Explosions In The Sky for the first time?, well I reckon this band are in the same catergory. Romance of Young Tigers are destined for very the top.

immanu el

Like Brett Spaceman, I too, reckon 2007 may belong to Sweden’s immanu el. Listen to “Panda” here and tell me it is not one of the most glorious pieces of music you have ever heard. The band are at the final recording stage of the new album, which will be a mix of old and new material. I, for one, hope the band continue exploring those serene, glacial soundscapes. This is THE must have record of 2007.

The Strange Death Of Liberal England

An Ultra-cool name and an ultra-cool sound to boot. The UK may have just found an answer to those pesky Canadians, Arcade Fire. This male and female six piece, also flavour their sound with a cinematic Godspeed sweep. Their debut single is due out soon, watch them explode.

iLIKETRAINS

Much like Brett Spaceman (again!!), iLIKETRAINS too. Last year’s “Progress:Reform” Ep hinted at an epic Sigur Ros style sound. But being English, gives this band a certain degree of eccentricity and those brooding vocals blend effortlessly with massive sounding guitars. They have enormous potential, let this band win you over.

Strap The Button

It must be very cool to be a member of Strap The Button. The rule is, there are no rules and anything goes. Post-Rock, Folk, Krautrock, Psychedelia anything and everything, really. God only knows, what they will do next, but one thing is for sure its going to be good.

Our Sleepless Forest

Type Records rarely get it wrong and they seem to have scored another goal by signing this young South-East London three piece. Currently recording their debut for Type, it is taking shape while the band hone their experimental psychedelic/electronic sound into a fine art. This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2007.

Engine7

Glasgow’s Engine7 has been under the radar for too long. Various releases are available on netlabel’s, but now its time for the music buying public to sit up and take notice. “Me, But Perfect” took 2 years to record, but these efforts have been worth it. The album features inventive beats, lush string arrangements, hazy guitars and filtered vocals, “Me, But Perfect” basically has it all and is set to be one of the most refreshing releases of 2007.

Alexander Tucker

This guy was meant to be nothing more than a mere support act for Bardo Pond a couple of months ago. But, while Bardo Pond were plagued by time and sound issues, ATP artist Alexander Tucker stole the show with his brand of looped guitar effects and operatic vocals. His experiments that night created a massive wall of hypnotic sound. “The absolute negative of Jamie Liddell”, Tucker’s album “Furrowed Sounds” was released last year, but 2007 will be the year the rest of the world will catch on.

Slow Dancing Society

Utterly gorgeous stuff from Washington based producer Drue Sullivan. A stunning collection encompassing Pink Floyd’s ethereal guitars, Explosions In The Sky melodies, shimmering synhts and delicate electronica. Australian label, Hidden Shoal Records, didn’t mess about, signing this guy immediately upon hearing the demo. “The Sound Of Lights When Dim” is inspiring. Full Review to follow.

Hello, to anyone that decides to read this!

 Firstly, I’d like to thank Cam @ Hidden Shoal for inviting me onto this great project…

I am Michael from Scotland and I usually write my highly strung opinions at my ownsite, Boring Machines  and I sometimes contribute to Opuszine, which deals with leftfield music, computers, movies and art. It’s a cool site.

 I am a major fan (obsessive) of Radiohead but, other bands that ‘float my boat’ include:

Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, A Silver Mt Zion, Epic45, Mono, Kyuss, and thousands of others.

More recently, I have been floored by the Slow Dancing Society album ” The Sound Of Lights When Dim” (which I’m sure everyone here is well aware of!) and a little known band called Romance of Young Tigers.

 I’m not particulalrly sure what to write at the moment so I may post 1 or 2 articles from my own site initially.  But one thing is for certain, I’m really looking forward to this
 

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