imageby Beth Keating
Los Angeles psychedelic stalwarts, The Warlocks, continue their aural journey with their new long-player, The Mirror Explodes.
Last years release by the Warlocks, Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, rated as one of my favourite albums for 2008. Playing almost like one extended track, the band took their psychedelic sound into interesting territory, maintaining the sheer force of their immense sound, while also adding a vulnerability to it not seen on earlier albums.
You won't find 14 minute jams on The Mirror Explodes, the latest release from the band. The longest track runs for a considerably shorter 6 or so minutes. The shortened format of the tracks probably lends itself well, considering this is such a subdued and restrained album. Every track is beautiful on its own, and although the Warlocks' characteristic wall of sound assault is still apparent, it's used in a very different way. The Mirror Explodes contains eight introverted and meditative tracks. Bobby Hecksher has a genuine talent for articulating the sounds of paranoia and derangement using various techniques. Unlike earlier albums, where he explored these concepts through themes such as hedonism and all it's compelling darkness, in this release Hecksher seems to be taking the listener on a trip into the most unstable region of all - the subconscious. The track Slowly Disappearing contains Hecksher's vocals chanted with his idiosyncratic yelpish voice, over layers of guitars so thick you could step into them.
The Mirror Explodes is a heart-breaking piece of work. There's so much beautifully sonic sadness in each song. The restraint in each one, as if something is being held back, only helps to heighten the sensory effect it has on the listener. There Is A Formula To Your Despair and You Make Me Wait are so melancholy and simple, but absolutely breathtaking.
The joy of the Warlocks' music is found in the details - the layer upon layer of fuzz and drone, the carefully chosen delivery of Hecksher's vocals, the pivotal role the bass is given - how at times it literally holds everything together. Standing Between The Lovers of Hell is a wondrous aural collage, dark and melodic, it's gentleness creating a clarity of all the song's components.
Every couple of months I go through complete Warlocks immersion. I think it's because they really don't quite sound like anyone else. Every album is so completely different, while still holding onto intangible elements which tie them all together. Dark, melodious and aurally confrontational, the band seem to subscribe to the belief that Noise is Power. Oh, what I'd give to see them play down here. Bobby and co, please treat your deprived fans in Australia to a visit soon. The Mirror Explodes is a thoroughly beautiful record, and another fascinating journey with the band along the redefining lines of psychedelia.
Los Angeles psychedelic stalwarts, The Warlocks, continue their aural journey with their new long-player, The Mirror Explodes.
Last years release by the Warlocks, Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, rated as one of my favourite albums for 2008. Playing almost like one extended track, the band took their psychedelic sound into interesting territory, maintaining the sheer force of their immense sound, while also adding a vulnerability to it not seen on earlier albums.
You won't find 14 minute jams on The Mirror Explodes, the latest release from the band. The longest track runs for a considerably shorter 6 or so minutes. The shortened format of the tracks probably lends itself well, considering this is such a subdued and restrained album. Every track is beautiful on its own, and although the Warlocks' characteristic wall of sound assault is still apparent, it's used in a very different way. The Mirror Explodes contains eight introverted and meditative tracks. Bobby Hecksher has a genuine talent for articulating the sounds of paranoia and derangement using various techniques. Unlike earlier albums, where he explored these concepts through themes such as hedonism and all it's compelling darkness, in this release Hecksher seems to be taking the listener on a trip into the most unstable region of all - the subconscious. The track Slowly Disappearing contains Hecksher's vocals chanted with his idiosyncratic yelpish voice, over layers of guitars so thick you could step into them.
The Mirror Explodes is a heart-breaking piece of work. There's so much beautifully sonic sadness in each song. The restraint in each one, as if something is being held back, only helps to heighten the sensory effect it has on the listener. There Is A Formula To Your Despair and You Make Me Wait are so melancholy and simple, but absolutely breathtaking.
The joy of the Warlocks' music is found in the details - the layer upon layer of fuzz and drone, the carefully chosen delivery of Hecksher's vocals, the pivotal role the bass is given - how at times it literally holds everything together. Standing Between The Lovers of Hell is a wondrous aural collage, dark and melodic, it's gentleness creating a clarity of all the song's components.
Every couple of months I go through complete Warlocks immersion. I think it's because they really don't quite sound like anyone else. Every album is so completely different, while still holding onto intangible elements which tie them all together. Dark, melodious and aurally confrontational, the band seem to subscribe to the belief that Noise is Power. Oh, what I'd give to see them play down here. Bobby and co, please treat your deprived fans in Australia to a visit soon. The Mirror Explodes is a thoroughly beautiful record, and another fascinating journey with the band along the redefining lines of psychedelia.
7 comments:
MORE EXTENDED REVIEWS, PLEASE.
Seriously though, a very nice write-up. Keen to check this out...
It's fantastic - I couldn't express how beautiful this album is. It's just a wonderful, subdued piece of work.
I really had difficulty writing this review. Glad it reads okay to you - to me it's kinda meh-meh.
That's writing, I think. The review I just put up still reads stilted as hell to me, but I'm sure after a sleep or ten it'll seem fine, just as I'm certain this will be much more digestible to you with the benefit of a little distance.
sounds like a good record, looking forward to it.
Good to see you have Odawas up on the site too, I interviewed them for FasterLouder and they seem like nice guys.
A good shoegaze act to check out is The Laurels (Syd) who have an album coming soon.
Keen to hear your thoughts on the new Horrors album too...
great site!
Why thank you for your kind words! Love The Laurels - can't wait for their album. I was supposed to get a copy of the Odawas album for review, but alas, still waiting... What I have heard is beautiful.
Thanks for reading!
xbeth
Just got The Mirror Explodes by The Warlocks on vinyl. The review definately does it justice. It's an excellent album with such great depth and human feeling to it. Fantastic stuff.
I am still in love with this album months after it's release. I think The Warlocks are really under-appreciated in some circles. They are a seriously solid band, and like you said, there is so much depth in their sound.
Thanks for commenting - I am really enjoying your music as well - it's taking me a while but I AM going to get a review of it up here! So sorry for the delay - I've been trying to balance decent content with full-time work. It gets on top of me sometimes! :)
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