In the six years since their self-titled debut appeared on Elektrohasch, German heavy psych foursome My Sleeping Karma have ascended to one of the most singular approaches in the European scene. Their sound is synth-laden but often quiet and minimal, jam-based but structured, crisply toned but warm, technically intricate but never showy, and the richness in their instrumental approach has only grown as their material has gotten more complex.

Their last album, 2010’s Tri (review here), reached a level of development that the self-titled and its 2008 follow-up, Satya (review here), had only hinted toward, and having found a new home on the rising tide of Napalm Records‘ affiliation with the heavy underground, My Sleeping Karma answer the next-levelisms of Tri with Soma, a full-length the otherworldliness of which is writ large across its concept. The title refers to the Hindu drink of the gods, and each song is an ingredient, the mystical parts uniting toward one greater whole. In the best case scenario, this happens anyway with an album, but the flow My Sleeping Karma — Seppi on guitar, Steffen on drums, Matte on bass, Norman on keys — craft across these tracks is all the more appropriately presented in liquid form. There is a grace in their psychedelia that few bands can boast.

Today I have the pleasure of hosting “Ephedra,” the second ingredient, for your streaming pleasure. The song stands among the most effective of Soma‘s linear builds, which are offset by companion interludes no less gorgeous or lush than anything surrounding. My Sleeping Karma, fresh off performances at both the Yellowstock and Aquamaria festivals, have included more info on the album’s themes below — along with release info and well-sourced arguments in its favor — but whether or not you indulge in Soma‘s conceptual aspects, the lushness of “Ephedra” speaks for itself. I hope you enjoy:

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MY SLEEPING KARMA have already achieved an considerable status in the music scene by releasing superb albums and playing incredible live shows. The fourth album “Soma” follows the band’s own individualistic and atmospheric path towards enlightenment. Following the meaning of the album title (“Soma” is the intoxicating drink of the gods), the instrumental Psychedelic Groove Rock of the German quartet enhances the consciousness in a truly hypnotic and bewitching manner. The multilayered compositions move skilfully between heavy rock riffs and enchanting melodic parts with a high level of calmness and beauty. “Soma” is visually complimented by Sebastian Jerke’s artwork that is filled with astonishing details and beauty.  “Soma” offers the perfect movie soundtrack to everybody’s own inner journey. Just be warned, you may never want to leave again!

Apparently my karma is the one that’s been sleeping, because while my head was turned, German psych-rockers My Sleeping Karma signed to Napalm Records for the release of their next album. No word on when that’s out yet, but congratulations to the band either way. They’re currently on the road for the “Up in Smoke Vol. 3” tour with Lonely Kamel, The Machine and Samsara Blues Experiment.

This clip (followed by the label’s press release) has been making the rounds on Thee Facebooks, and it’s just the right kind of groove for a sleepy Monday afternoon. It’s a new song, filmed on the opening night of the tour in Siegen, Germany. Enjoy:

The German instrumental psychedelic rock band, My Sleeping Karma, is the latest addition to the Napalm Records roster. Fans should have their lava lamps and incense sticks ready to go, as something big is coming our way!

“My Sleeping Karma are very thankful and excited for the opportunity to work with one of the most important record labels in the independent heavy/rock scene. During several meetings, Napalm´s representatives always gave us the feeling of real understanding in My Sleeping Karma´s musical journey. We were impressed by their open-minded thinking, as it is surely not usual to give an instrumental psychedelic rock band a chance. The band wants to extend a big THANK YOU to all the people supporting us over the years. This step would not have been possible for us without you!”