ALBUM REVIEW: Sounds Of Green And Blue – The Lunar Effect
When you think of London, you think of the eclectic natures of its people and its long history as the capital of England. From the murky River Thames to the furthest boroughs in Zone 9 of the tube map, it has also been a stronghold of UK rock and metal in recent decades. Emerging from the spit and sawdust bars with their blues-revering, retro rock sound, THE LUNAR EFFECT are the UK’s latest high-octane riff aficionados to burst out of this rich and vibrant scene. The quartet are sonic architects, utilising a plethora of fuzzy riffs, psychedelia and good old-fashioned blues to create a truly captivating sound that pulls you in with ease.
Formed in 2016, THE LUNAR EFFECT’s first album Calm Before The Calm would come in 2019 and would establish the band as one of the more unique acts in the UK stoner rock scene. The Londoners follow up that wonderfully rich album with another impeccably written album in Sounds Of Green And Blue. Their sophomore album is one of growth and expansion beyond their creative limits, blending multiple eras of classic rock and absorbing them into their own unique mould. Soulful, energetic, emotive and raucous in equal measure, there is something on Sounds Of Green And Blue for everyone to get swept up in and get their body moving to.
It is safe to say that this is one of those albums that you listen to on a hot summer’s day, whilst out in nature and soaking up the sun with a beer – or whichever poison takes your fancy – as life wistfully passes you by. It’s a big-riffed, fuzzy feel-good album that you can’t help but have on repeat. The musicianship and songwriting prowess on show from Josh Gosling (vocals), Brett Halsey (bass), Dan Jefford (drums) and Jon Jefford (guitars) is impeccable. They sound like a band that have been together for decades with more than two albums under their belt. Tight, cohesive and constant throughout the album, Sounds Of Green And Blue shows a depth and maturity well beyond its years.
What instantly grabs your attention throughout the album is Gosling’s vocals. They are full-bodied, powerful, incredibly soulful and emotive, reminiscent of legends such as Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOSLAVE) and Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE). They seem to float above the psychedelic and bluesy riffs supplied by Jon Jefford and in some places interplay with them, the vocal melodies acting like a second guitar. Sounds Of Green And Blue is littered with these little runs, melodies and countermelodies which is one of the reasons why the band’s sound is so memorable and infectious.
The album opens up with Ocean Queen, a subtle bass introduction builds into a triumphant rock anthem. Gosling wastes no time in letting his captivating vocal melodies fly right out of the gate. This leads into the LED ZEPPELIN-esque Flowers For Teeth – a groove-filled track that will make you want to strut your stuff wherever you are. Its main guitar riff stays in your head long after the song has finished. Short and snappy, it is a brilliant track to make you feel good. Colour My World is a more laidback, emotive psychedelic track that reaches into stoner rock for its weighty riffs. In Grey feels like a bluesy ballad that conjures up imagery of journeying down a long stretch of road to an unknown destination, just you, the music and the moment. Middle Of The End has a bluesy piano part that takes you completely by surprise and again Gosling steps up with exquisite soulful melodies that move your soul.
Pulling Daisies brings back the giant fuzzy LED ZEPPELIN-esque riffs, with an infectious groove that will have you bobbing your head along without thinking about it. Retro rock at its finest. I Can’t Say is a heavy, funky blues track that ebbs and flows between loud and quiet, an expressive and dynamic track that gives you tingles. Fear Before The Fall is an emotional ballad that tugs on the heartstrings; stripped back with a vocal and piano focus, it has the melancholy energy of SOUNDGARDEN’s Black Hole Sun. Closing the album is On The Story Goes, another melancholy track but it is filled with anthemic riffs and luscious vocal and guitar melodies in the verse sections that make you think of PINK FLOYD if they had a bit of grit about them.
If Calm Before The Calm was the introduction, Sounds Of Green And Blue is a statement of intent. THE LUNAR EFFECT’s vintage rock sound is symbolic of the UK music scene: eclectic, powerful and poignant, and they are certainly here to stay. There are so many things to unpack that this album will have you putting it on repeat until the vinyl wears out.
Rating: 9/10
Sounds Of Green And Blue is set for release on April 12th via Svart Records.
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