New Jersey duo Heavy Flow mix garage rawness with warm-toned fuzzy psychedelia, and yeah, they have a song that sounds kind of like Misfits. That one is “Hangin’ Round,” from their newly-issued 2016 second EP, Heavy Flow 2, which along with its self-titled 2014 predecessor, has just been compiled onto a new tape release by King Pizza Records. The band played a release show this past weekend and also took part in the label’s recent Pizzafest, which is pretty much how you win at naming festivals. All tracks are available for streaming and take about 10 seconds to dig into, so if you’re unwilling to make that effort, I’ve got nothing for you, but otherwise, have at it and enjoy.

The release info came down the PR wire for lazy summer perusal:

Heavy Flow I & II: It’ll Give You Goosebumps

Our favorite nasty two-piece from the dirty shores of the dirty Jerz have just released their first tape and we’re excited. It’s a combo of their first and second EP’s and they both rip.

Heavy Flow is James Matheson whose growling vocals and heavy blues licks are paired with Matt Weisser’s pounding drumming and howling backing vocals. II is the newest release from the duo and it’s the latter half of the tape (tracks 7-12) available through King Pizza. Fat, reverb-drenched guitars pierce the cave-like production with Matheson’s gravelly shouts and Weisser’s thumping beats hanging low overhead, warning of impending doom. Lick the salt and come with me to a forbidden land where we can gallop and headbang in peace and harmony with Mother Heavy and Father Riffs.

Additional info below:

SONG LIST
1. Rubber/Glue
2. My Own Name
3. Down and Out
4. Cold as Stone
5. Trouble Find Me
6. Daydream
7. Shelter
8. Holy Roller
9. Hangin’ Round
10. Let Me Down EZ
11. Close
12. Won’t Be Me

https://www.facebook.com/HeavyFlow/
http://heavyflow.net/
http://music.heavyflow.net/album/heavy-flow-2
http://kingpizzarecords.storenvy.com/products/16031166-heavy-flow-i-ii-cassette
https://www.facebook.com/kingpizzarecs/

Heavy Flow, II (2016)

Been a couple months since New York heavy psych rockers Sun Voyager last checked in. At that point, they were saying their debut long-player would be out early this year, and as we make our way with blinding speed toward the middle of it, the band offer up the new song “Ghost Valley” as demonstration of progress and to herald the arrival of a new split with The Mad Doctors out this weekend on King Pizza Records. They play a release show in Brooklyn on Saturday.

The vibe will be right on for anyone who’s dug into Sun Voyager‘s past work — ultra-bright psychedelia like shoegaze given a kick in the ass — and as the band says they’ve been recording the aforementioned album, I’ll continue to look forward to it. Curious if “Ghost Valley” represents their last work as a four-piece, having parted ways with guitarist Steve Friedman since it was put to tape, but I guess we’ll find out.

Info and audio:

Split 7″ Single – New Song Out Now

It’s been a minute since we last updated you. Long story short, we’ve been writing, gigging, and recording an album. The new tunes are going to rock you and speaking of new tunes, we have a new song out today!

It’s called ‘Ghost Valley’ and it’s on our split 7″ coming out April 9th. One song from us, one ripper from The Mad Doctors, and we’ve put together a ripper of a release show at Idio Gallery in Brooklyn this Saturday with KDH, Super FM, and The Royal They.

Wanna listen? Check it: http://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com

If you dig it you can buy a hand-numbered copy in either blue or white vinyl from us on bandcamp.

Sun Voyager live:
Apr 09 Idio Gallery Brooklyn, NY

Sun Voyager:
Carlos Francisco – Vocals/Guitar
Stefan Mersch – Bass
Kyle Beach – Drums
Steve Friedman – Guitar

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http://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sunvoyagerband
http://www.twitter.com/sunvoyager_rock
http://www.sunvoyagerband.com/

Sun Voyager / The Mad Doctors, Split 7″

It’s true that, if you’ve been keeping up, I’ve been posting news about Sun Voyager‘s debut full-length since May 2014. The New York psych rockers have in the interim released their third EP in the form of this year’s Lazy Daze tape (review here) as a follow-up to 2013’s sleepy-dreamy Mecca (review here), and while there’s not much I’d trade that short offering for, they’re probably due for their first album. Early 2016 is the current due date for the yet-untitled affair, which will also mark the band’s first recording as a trio following the amicable departure of guitarist Steve Friedman, to whom the band will say goodbye on a forthcoming split 7″ with The Mad Doctors on King Pizza Records.

The now-three-piece update on the progress for the album, their lineup and some shows for next month:

Sun Voyager Update: Studio This Month, 7″ & Debut Album Early Next Year

It’s been a hell of a year. We played 50 shows and we’re still making friends all over the world, but we’re still growing and we’re still writing. The wheels are spinning on an actual full length. This time, we mean it. We’re in the studio this month to begin tracking, for the first time, as a three piece. Yes, Steve has gone on to greener pastures in the great Southern state of Alabama. The three of us couldn’t wish anything but the best for him. He left things on good terms and we’re still great friends. Our last recording with him will be coming out in early 2016 on a 7″ vinyl split on King Pizza Records with our brothers The Mad Doctors.

Even though it’s awesome to be able to give you guys some wax to spin, we’re not waiting for vinyl to release our debut. We’ll have CDs and tapes and maybe vinyl eventually. The split should hold you over just fine though. Our good friend Joe Hernandez (The Tye Trybe) is working on the artwork and it looks absolutely killer. If you liked Cosmic Tides and Mecca, you’ll be happy to know that we’re going back to Boomstick Recording Studio to lay down some tracks with Jeff Rendano. We will also be traveling to Asbury Park to hang with our friend Paul Ritchie of The Parlor Mob and Gods and tracking some more down there.

You’ll be able hear some of the new stuff on these January tour dates:

January 3rd – Shea Stadium, Brooklyn, NY
January 15th – The Dev, Utica, NY
January 16th – The Vault, Syracuse, NY

The album is largely for us because it’s a big accomplishment and we want to put something out that we all really like, but it’s also largely for you. Thank you for your continued support. We’ll see you next year.

-Stefan, Carlos, Kyle

We’re running super low on t-shirt’s and tapes. You can get them from us or King Pizza Records.

http://sunvoyager.bigcartel.com/
http://kingpizzarecords.storenvy.com/collections/1227024-sun-voyager

http://www.sunvoyagerband.com
http://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com
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http://www.twitter.com/sunvoyager_rock
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Sun Voyager, Lazy Daze (2015)

This weekend, Upstate New York psych rockers Linear North will mark the release of their debut album, Mine is Yesterday, I Know Tomorrow, which is out on cassette via King Pizza Records. The trio are set to play two shows — in Brooklyn, where the label is based, and Albany, where they’re based — as a celebration with like-minded labelmates Sun Voyager, and the tape is indeed something worth celebrating, following a 2012 demo and 2013 digital EP, called Singles, both of which have tracks resurfaced into the 32-minute/six-track full-length. An immediately spacious vibe on the seven-minute longest and opening cut (immediate points) “13 Year Sugar Maple” casts an echoing, sunshiny vibe, and as the record plays out, shifting into the shorter, more garage-minded “Into the Light” and through its remaining cuts, the groovy post-this-and-that vibes only grow more expansive.

Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Bob Forget, bassist Shane Williams and drummer Ryan Render, Linear North offer some of their most languid dreaminess on “Mountains,” which opened the EP, ends side one of the tape and successfully executes a subtle build in the guitar and bass while maintaining a liquid wash, patient groove, and in the drums, a steady roll that eases smoothly into the peak, recedes, and rises again to finish out. “Spectrum Eyes,” which starts out side two, is more straight-ahead weighted in its initial push, but has its shoegazing feel as well, Williams‘ bass pushing it into highlight territory beneath Forget‘s reverb-soaked croon. Though “Spectrum Eyes” is riffier, I think “Rapture” might have it beat for the sheer buzz factor, a spaced-out grunge taking hold and making a primarily melodic impact nonetheless by the end of it, swirling all the while.

That leaves just “Weigh,” with its low-end foundation and swinging, tambourine-inclusive rhythm, to finish out. Three years have passed since it was included on their first demo, but it makes a fitting closer for Mine is Yesterday, I Know Tomorrow, teasing an explosion in its pulsating verses while winding up on an entirely more fluid trip. Yeah, it picks up and goes nuts at the end, but that’s only half the point, and even that’s more of a morphing shift than sudden leap from quiet to loud. Pacing of transition would seem to be a specialty in what I guess one would still rightly call Linear North‘s early days.

I think you can get a sense of that even from the heavier thrust of “Spectrum Eyes,” which you can hear on the player below. I think Linear North might have the whole record on Bandcamp as well, so check there if you haven’t, but either way, I’m glad to be able to feature the track as a sampler for anyone who feels like getting lost in it.

Show info under the player. Enjoy:

October 9th “Mine is Yesterday, I Know Tomorrow” will be available on Cassette and Download courtesy of King Pizza Records. We’ll be celebrating all weekend long in Brooklyn and Albany. In the meantime check out our bandcamp and all the other awesomeness that comes from King Pizza Records!

October 9th and 10th are just around the corner. We’re looking forward to playing in Brooklyn and Albany again. The Albany show at the Fuze Box will be our 100th gig!

We also have our first show of November on Friday the 6th at The Anchor in Kingston with Geezer, Shadow Witch and King Buffalo. More dates to come!

Friday October 9th – Brooklyn, NY – Don Pedro’s w/ Sun Voyager and Wet Socks
Saturday October 10th – Albany, NY – Fuze Box w/ Sun Voyager & Mod fiction

Linear North website

Linear North on Thee Facebooks

Linear North on Bandcamp

King Pizza Records

In the time since releasing their 2013 demo/EP, Mecca (review here), Orange County, New York, heavy psych rockers Sun Voyager have been more or less engaged in the business of growing their band. They’ve played local shows, done some time on the road, found a label to help push their stuff in the form of King Pizza Records, appeared on a compilation or two, and done a split release, with Greasy Hearts. Along the way, they’ve also released singles in drips and drabs, one song at a time every so often, capturing different moods and vibes still within the warm sphere of what they did so well on Mecca, but showing progress anyhow in fuzzy cuts like “Gypsy Hill” and “God is Dead.” Their new cassette, called Lazy Daze after its closing track and released by King Pizza in limited numbers (250 copies, white tape, pro case and j-card), brings together these singles and turns them into Sun Voyager‘s most established release to-date. It’s five songs from the earthy heavygaze rockers and only about 20 minutes between the two sides, but big on vibe and a right-on showing of increased complexity in their craft.

Definitely an EP for its runtime, Lazy Daze nonetheless houses an album-style flow, and while its title and some of Sun Voyager‘s shoegaze aesthetic hint toward an element of ’90s apathy — of “fuckit” made flesh — the weight of their tones and swing counteract with movement that’s exciting even in the overarching languid atmosphere of the tracks themselves. “God is Dead” is a landmark for the band. A familiar refrain, perhaps, but the four-piece of guitarist/vocalist Carlos Francisco, guitarist Steve Friedman, bassist Stefan Mersch and drummer Kyle Beach make it their own, turning “My god is dead but your god’s dead too” into a killer hook for the upbeat first half of the song and an echoing space-out over the fluid, slower jamming of the second. The song lurches to a drawling finish like a universe stretching itself into oblivion, and “Black Angel” picks up quickly with a garage-style rush that Francisco tops with reverb-soaked melody and a molten vibe that is quickly becoming a trademark of their approach. Unlike the opener, “Black Angel” holds its space-rocking motor for its entirety, so it seems only fair that “Gypsy Hill” would slow things down, and it does, but more than that, it opens wide a horizon soundscape, sunny and rural as were the best moments of Mecca — its central progression reminds a bit of “Space Queen” from that release; not a complaint — but more coherent in the songwriting and assured in its course. They weave into and out of jammy grooves, but its the nodding chorus that makes “Gypsy Hill” the highlight that it is as it rounds out side one.

Launching side two, “Be Here Now” would seem to signal a change in vibe, but it’s really just a progression from where “Gypsy Hill” was headed, that song a transitional centerpiece between the two sides of the EP. A sleepy flow and peaceful atmosphere can make it easy to look past how heavy “Be Here Now” actually is when it picks up, but Sun Voyager shift so easily between louder and quieter parts that by the time the four minutes are up, you’re just absolutely lost in it. All the better leading into “Lazy Daze” itself, which earns the title-track spot with its more accomplished melody and memorable roll. Backing “ooh” vocals behind Francisco add flourish to the verse and choruses, and what works best about Lazy Daze overall is once more underlined, and that’s that even when Sun Voyager are using straightforward structures — all of these songs are shorter and have fewer actual jams than the tracks on Mecca — they’re able to maintain hypnotic listener engagement even as they weave through different songwriting ideas. I won’t at all say I hope they never kick out a full-on jam again, if only because I don’t think they’re at a point where any element of their approach should be written off entirely, but the balance they strike on Lazy Daze of approach-tightness and sonic-looseness makes the 20 minutes of the EP’s span seem much, much wider, and really makes me look forward to hearing what kinds of shifts Sun Voyager might be able to pull off over the course of a debut full-length. I think they could give it a shot at this point, and I hope they find room to branch out a bit in terms of arrangements, maybe put an organ in there somewhere for one or two songs, some acoustics or additional percussion. Because if Lazy Daze proves anything, it’s that Sun Voyager have their sound as it is down pat and are ready to move forward from here.

Sun Voyager, Lazy Daze (2015)

Sun Voyager on Thee Facebooks

Sun Voyager on Bandcamp

King Pizza Records

It is my sincere hope that, come April 18, I get to see Sun Voyager live. It would be a while in the making. Last time the New York groove-rolling four-piece made a trip north, I was already booked for the evening. Their current-planned excursion follows the arrival of a new tape on King Pizza Records compiling some recently-issued tracks onto an EP called Lazy Daze, with five-cuts of their heavygaze vibing that will be out digitally next week with a cassette release to follow shortly thereafter.

I’m not sure if the below is or isn’t the cover of Lazy Daze, but the band sent the following encouraging words down the PR wire, and new news is good news:

SUN VOYAGER “LAZY DAZE” EP RELEASE DETAILS

Wanted to reach out and share some super exciting news with you regarding a little release we’re putting out next week on King Pizza Records.

You may have heard Cosmic Tides, Mecca, or our latest split with our friends Greasy Hearts. Those all had three songs. This one’s got five, baby.

“Lazy Daze” is the title of our next release. It’s a tape. You may have heard God Is Dead, Be Here Now, Gypsy Hill, and Black Angel. Well those tracks will finally have a home. You can hear them now on soundcloud. The whole thing will be on bandcamp early next week. Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, & more coming soon.

We’re throwing release parties in Brooklyn, Newburgh, and Boston where you can buy our tape and share in the fun. Here are some details on those parties:

4/3 – Brooklyn, NY – Don Pedro w/ Psychiatric Metaphors, St James & The Apostles, The Off White
4/9 – Brooklyn, NY – Don Pedro w/ Mountain God, Kosmodemonic, Maggot Brain
4/11 – Newburgh, NY – The Wherehouse w/ St James & The Apostles
4/18 – Boston, MA – The Womb w/ Black Beach, Midriffs, & CREATUROS

Come party with us. We’re grateful to have you all as fans and can’t wait to share this with you.

http://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/sunvoyagerband
http://www.twitter.com/sunvoyager_rock
http://sunvoyagerband.tumblr.com
https://soundcloud.com/sunvoyager

Sun Voyager, “Black Angel”

A couple interesting points about the new Sun Voyager track, “God is Dead.” It is declarative (or at least without punctuation) where the Black Sabbath song of the same name from last year’s 13 full-length was an interrogative. Neither is the first to use the title, though, and looking at the lyrics to Sun Voyager‘s cut, it doesn’t seem to be in conversation with the other. Fair enough. It’s also a preview of Sun Voyager‘s forthcoming full-length, which is now slated to release in Jan. 2015 on King Pizza Records, and it arrives as part of a compilation from the label, which specializes primarily in punk, and on which it is the longest song at 4:28.

It also brings word that Sun Voyager will have a split tape out in a couple weeks with Greasy Hearts, who are labelmates and also featured on the same compilation, which is titled Surfin’ on Pizza Lightning, because of course it is.

NEW SONG PREMIERE ON NEW KING PIZZA COMP

HEY Y’ALL,

We’re not going to bore you with a too lengthy of an update today….

BUT WE HAVE A NEW SONG.

It’s on King Pizza Records’ new compilation titled “Surfin’ On Pizza Lightning,” which features songs by a bunch of our friends including a song by Greasy Hearts which will be on our SPLIT. Yea, that’s right. We have a split coming out in about 2 weeks. It’s with Greasy Hearts and it’s rad. Can’t wait for you guys to hear it. This song, which is called GOD IS DEAD, is not on the split but it WILL be on the full length along with Gypsy Hill and will be released in January.

Here’s the comp: https://kingpizzarecords.bandcamp.com/album/surfin-on-pizza-lightning

Here’s GOD IS DEAD: https://soundcloud.com/sunvoyager/god-is-dead

my god is dead but your god’s dead too
our father left us with everything but the truth
drifting and drowning in this sea called life
my god is dead but your god’s dead too

Carlos – Vocals, Guitar
Stefan – Bass
Kyle – Drums

Recorded at Ghostload Sound May 2014
Engineered by Seth Applebaum
Mastered by Jeff Rendano

https://soundcloud.com/sunvoyager
https://www.facebook.com/sunvoyagerband
https://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com/track/god-is-dead-single
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Sun Voyager, “God is Dead”

I’ve been hoping for solid word of an LP release from New York heavy psych rollers Sun Voyager for a couple months now. Originally slated as a summer 2014 issue through King Pizza Records, their upcoming debut seems more likely for 2015 at this point, what with Fall’s big slowdown leading to Winter’s dead stop ahead, November fast approaching (sorry, I completely missed the point when August became September, let alone September becoming October) and December not far behind. It’s a traditionally lousy time for bands to put out albums, though some rebellious types invariably do, and with the swath of live shows Sun Voyager have slated, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re into the New Year before their full-length surfaces. I think if you take a listen to the demo version of “Gypsy Hill” below, you can get a sense of why I’m feeling impatient to find out what these cats can do over the course of a while album.

They sent an update on gigs down the PR wire, as they tour through the Hudson Valley and beyond in NY:

Sun Voyager Fall Update

WHAT’S GOING ON EVERYBODY! Been a while… We miss you… And thank you so much for supporting us.

First off.. Here are a couple links where you can continue with your awesome support by clicking and following or liking or listening. Stay tuned for new music that will be released VERY soon.

Next WE HAVE QUITE A FEW SHOWS THIS MONTH

10/8 – The Cake Shop, New York, NY
10/10 – Brazen Head Pub, Monroe, NY
10/11 – Quinn’s, Beacon, NY
10/14 – Bowery Electric, New York, NY
10/18 – Radio Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
10/23 – Unofficial CMJ Showcase @ Don Pedro, Brooklyn, NY
10/24 – Snug Harbor, New Paltz, NY
10/25 – Bard College, Annendale-on-Hudson, NY
10/26 – Arlene’s Grocery, New York, NY
10/31 – King Pizza Halloween Bash @ Don Pedro, Brooklyn, NY

Please help spread the word.

Also our label King Pizza just launched an awesome web store where you’ll be able to shop for all our future releases. http://kingpizzarecords.storeny.com

www.facebook.com/sunvoyagerband
www.twitter.com/sunvoyager_rock
spoti.fi/1lkAQ7I
http://www.rdio.com/artist/Sun_Voyager/
http://sun-voyager.bandcamp.com

Sun Voyager, “Gypsy Hill (Demo)”