EP REVIEW: Lavender Blues – Big Scenic Nowhere

BIG SCENIC NOWHERE is an ambitious stoner rock project which unites members of two of the scene’s most respected bands. Formed in 2019 by Bob Balch of FU MANCHU and Gary Arce of YAWNING MAN, the self-described ‘rock collective’ was always going to work well together. They’ve wasted little time in proving it either. The band released their debut album Vision Beyond Horizon to critical acclaim earlier this year, just months after the release of their first EP Dying On The Mountain. Now they return for more smoke-filled jams with their second EP, Lavender Blues.

As on previous releases, Arce and Balch have brought a host of good friends with them. Tony Reed of MOS GENERATOR returns as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, as does YAWNING MAN’s Bill Stinson on drums. The EP also features guest appearances from current and former members of MASTERS OF REALITY, OPETH and VOIVOD. These musicians have come together to create three laidback desert rock tracks that constitute a progressive yet relaxing 24 minutes.

There’s something incredibly ‘warm’ about Lavender Blues. This is immediately clear from the record’s expansive opening title track. Clocking in at over 13 minutes, it’s a long, lush song full of clean, spaced-out guitars and synths and mellow vocals from Reed. Like all good stoner rock, it’s a track which takes its time. It also shows BIG SCENIC NOWHERE definitely aren’t afraid to sit in a groove, with multiple long, jammed solos.

Next track Blink Of An Eye is more straightforward. It definitely has more of a traditional structure. It starts with a couple of bluesy verse-choruses, followed by some impressive soloing and a final chorus. The whole thing feels super 70s, the kind of thing you’d hear in an American bar or diner. It’s a good song, but not quite of the quality of the title track, or of the closer, Labyrinths Fade. This final track definitely highlights the scuzzier, fuzzier side of stoner rock, with more distorted guitars than the previous two. It’s another longer piece which again shows that the band are unafraid of jamming out and having fun. It also features perhaps Reed‘s best vocal performance on the record, although he leaves plenty of space for the band’s instrumental jams.

While the guitar work of the band’s founding members and guests is of a high standard throughout, it’s arguably the synths and keys which are the highlights of this release. Both the title track and Blink Of An Eye feature impressive synth solos. Elsewhere, they add a rich backing to the band’s warm sound. The best synthy moment of all however is the driving arpeggiated riff which comes in around three and a half minutes into Labyrinths Fade. It’s one of many points on the record which shows off BIG SCENIC NOWHERE strong command of tone and vibe.

BIG SCENIC NOWHERE’s founding members’ bands may sit at opposite ends of the desert rock spectrum, but there’s no denying the two are kindred spirits. Balch and Arce write music by “tossing guitar riffs and leads back and forth, piecing together song parts one movement at a time.” The result feels as jammed and free as you might expect. In fact, the whole record feels like a bunch of experienced stoner rock dudes having a load of fun. It may not be particularly ground-breaking, but it’s definitely a good time. Most of all, it’s sure to go down well with listeners looking for something to soundtrack a drive through the desert, or even just a lazy sunny day.

Rating: 8/10

Lavender Blues is out now via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Like BIG SCENIC NOWHERE on Facebook.