Allah-Las, “Calico Review”
Available: Now, via Mexican Summer as a download, cassette, CD, standard vinyl LP and a limited number of autographed vinyl test pressings. The proceeds of the test pressing records will go to supporting Doctors without Borders.
As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, it is easy to get bogged down and inundated within the current resurgence of modern psychedelic music. Entire festivals to celebrate the renewed interest/influx are being curated in the United States, Canada and in slew of European locations. It can be argued that, within the genre and its myriad crossover and sub-genres, the style and sound has become watered down or overly distilled. One of the argument’s many, many counterpoint-bands and examples of its virility and viability are the Los Angeles-based Allah-Las.
On “Calico Review,” the band’s third proper full-length record, the four piece manages to integrate a handful of styles seamlessly into their pre-existing sun-drenched psych- surf sound. The fact that three of the four band members were working together at famed independent record store chain Amoeba Music perhaps keeps them from too singular a sound. The reverb is still there, though respectfully reigned in. The harmonies and audible wave crash of the surf-inspired jingles are in perfect balance. This is a well-rounded record for fans of Beach Goth and beyond.
If you dig The Zombies, La Luz, The Growlers, Eels, 13th Floor Elevators or Spaceman 3, then this record should already be in your collection, alongside their previous work.
Jon E. Lynch[email protected]
