Live Review: Planet Desert Rock Weekend V – Night 2

Posted in Reviews on February 1st, 2025 by JJ Koczan

Fireball Ministry 1 (Photo by JJ Koczan)

Afternoon — Before Show

Took a drive out to the desert for a bit this afternoon, looking at old rock formations and listening to tunes. The Samavayo guys had stayed over also at Adam from Sonolith’s house where I’m crashing, and it was good to hang out with them a bit this morning as well. I was up early, showered and finished the review, fest-mode, etc., but got my shit done and could hang out for a bit once the rest of the house was awake. Shockingly, balance has never been a strong suit.

It’s another burner tonight: Fireball Ministry headlining, with JIRM from Sweden, Valley of the Sun, Fire Down Below from Belgium and Godzillionaire opening. After last night unfurled with such a clear, and clearly intentional, narrative thread — each of the four bands adding something to the one before it, building to the headliner blowout of Unida — I’m curious and eager to find out how tonight’s acts might also complement each other.

Also I have a lot of friends here and people are very nice. I’m lucky to be here. I spent a decent portion of last night hanging around with Todd from Ripple Music, Scott from Clean and Sober Stoner, and John Gist, who’s the one behind the festival and far and away the fiercest promoter I know. I met Dave Angstrom from Hermano. I saw old friends I haven’t seen in a decade minimum and I’ll see more over the course of the next three nights. Don’t look now, but I think this might be awesome.

Earlier start to accommodate the fifth band in the Ripple Music showcase. Here’s the night:

Godzillionaire

My first time seeing Godzillionaire, from Kansas, whose new album, Diminishing Returns, came out I think two weeks ago now as their Ripple debut. Solid band. They didn’t sound like their sound was a settled issue, but they did sound like that was by choice. Kind of a mix of influences in noise rock, fuzz, weirdo grunge stylizations and frontman Mark Hennessy’s punk-poet vibes, but they’re pretty clearly chasing the organic more than trying to play to genre, and I found that as the set went on, the scope broadened around that central notion. I admit I’m at a deficit for not knowing Hennessy’s prior work in Paw — I missed out on a lot of cool shit in the ’90s; also other decades — but Godzillionaire were fluid in changing up the mood, getting in some sense of immersion and dynamic. I haven’t reviewed the album yet or I’d have linked it, but by the time they were done, I felt like I wanted to know the songs more, so I’ll say they acquitted themselves well on a first impression. That they — the band is completed by bassist Mike Dye, who doubles as the guy at the merch table with the afro, as mentioned onstage, guitarist and low-key secret tonal weapon Ben White and drummer Cody Romaine, who shut off the snare during the quiet parts for extra class — seemed so comfortable up there speaks to their experience, sure, but it also kind of tied the scope together, made it feel like there was a sure hand guiding you. I’m gonna go back to that record at some point.

Fire Down Below

The Belgian contingent coming in hot, which I guess makes sense, and with grunge and songwriting as threads carried. They’ve been around for a bit, I know, but this is my first time seeing them as well — my first time here, despite how welcoming the experience has been thus far — and they were on point desert-style as one would expect from their records, the latest of which, 2023’s Low Desert Surf Club (review here), and they were a ready reminder of the richness of thy Euro underground, how a band like this can grow their approach over time and find out who they are. Fire Down Below are very much the sing-along hook in “California” — to which, as was noted from the stage, they’ve reportedly never been so close — and are the kind of band you’d play to explain to someone the appeal of this kind of music. The kind of band who could win a listener over with a song. They were all about engaging the crowd, were likewise generous in their thanks and their on-point riffs, and the vocal melody cut through while still letting the guitar sound powerful, early Kyuss style. Which, if you’re going to do it, is an advisable course. It’s good living on Planet Desert Rock, is what I’m learning.

Valley of the Sun

If ever there was a brand you could trust, it’s Ohio stalwarts Valley of the Sun, whose shit is bordering in classic in my mind, and somehow that includes the new stuff? Anyhow, ferociously reliable as they are, I was nonetheless curious to see and hear them as a trio live. Turns out single-guitar Valley of the Sun is still Valley of the Sun, which should be taken as a relief. Their songs still had that distinctive energy and force-of-groove. And the songs are undeniable. They’re a pull away from the grunge that was shared between the first two bands, but Valley of the Sun drew out as a logical extension of the desert mood Fire Down Below were working in, and when they hit the big riff, it hit correspondingly hard. I’d been hanging out, was a little in my own brain before they went on, but Valley of the Sun started off with “Hearts Aflame” as a slap back to a better headspace and that is no small thing to appreciate. From last year’s staggered-release LP, Quintessence (review here), they treated the room to “Graviton,” “The Late Heavy Bombardment,” and “Palus Somni,” the latter of which closed out the set with a punch to counteract the song before and a shove better suited to fire emojis than fucking anything I could ever hope to come up with. Airtight.

JIRM

And then, of course, Sweden’s JIRM came and took the desert from Valley of the Sun and launched the fuzz into space. And further, their doing so adds another dimension to the arc of the fest, following suit from what MR.BISON brought last night. Interweaving plot threads drawn out across band sets on multiple nights? Do you understand how much fun that is for me? I’d seen JIRM before, but that was before they put out The Tunnel, the Well and Holy Bedlam (review here), and so they were among my anticipated bands of the weekend — I don’t mind telling you and I also told the band we were listening to that album this afternoon — and so I was excited to do so again. They mixed in some stuff from the Jeremy Irons and the Ratgang Malibus days, and the vibe opened up: they could get heavy or trip it out, slow roll or hit harder, and they did it with professionalism and fluidity. It all meshed, which, I mean, is what you’d expect. It isn’t like The Tunnel, the Well and Holy Bedlam reinvented their sound, but it was a deeper dive into atmospherics and sonic progressivism than they’d made before — on the most basic level, I’d float it as their best with to-date — but if there was an incongruous moment, I couldn’t tell you where. I felt justified in how much I’d been looking forward to seeing them. If you’re ever in a position where you can, do. I have to tell you, though. I heard a nasty rumor they don’t pronounce it “germ,” but instead J-I-R-M like the acronym it admittedly is, and I immediately set about outlining a 500-word essay (which I might actually write just for fun) on why they should.

Fireball Ministry

Hell yes again to the what-it’s-all-about headliner. Fireball Ministry rocked heavy before it was cool. Bleed it. Jim Rota and the esteemed Emily J. Burton sharing guitar and vocal duties, a pair of humans who have spent a goodly portion of their lives living for their instrument. They had Johny Chow, who’s been m the band before and played with Cavalera Conspiracy and a host of others, on bass, and he sat well in the groove with drummer John Oreshnick, but one would expect no less from Fireball Ministry, who remain legends of the Southern California heavy underground while always having been a bit removed from desert rock, more straight up heavy, lumped in with stoner in the ’90s because I guess every band didn’t have their own genre yet, but always coming from a classic place and unrepentantly sweet in the melody. In other words, they’ve been themselves for a long time, musically speaking, and their material is timeless in part because it never really fit. Some older songs — “from the Johny Chow era,” as Rota put it — were warmly received, and while their stuff was a departure from the thread to a point, Fireball Ministry are a celebration of heavy songwriting. They’re always gonna fit. I stood up front for a while, just to sort of soak in the sound, and no regrets. As with Unida, it was an extended headlining set, and Fireball Ministry pulled it off with motor riffs to spare.

I have been doing a lot of hanging out. I met a dude named DJ who told me I was his best friend. He was pretty serious, kind of intense about it. I teared up a little, gave a big hug. Shit, I’ll be friends with DJ. Fucking a right.

Said a few goodnights and had a good talk with Ryan from Valley of the Sun, who kind of nailed me down as I was on my way by saying safe travels. You know what my problem is? Somewhere a scroll just unfurled a list, but specifically I worry about disappointing people meeting them in-person. Someone comes up to you and they know you from what you do, they might have an idea of who you are based on that. There’s little more important to me than being honest in my voice in this space, but still, if someone’s saying hi, I don’t know their expectations and I hate the thought of bringing someone down who’s just been kind enough to tell me they see value in this project. So I’m awkward. But I’m trying. It was a nice chat with Ryan. I’ve had more than a few really good hangs over the last couple days, old and new friends, bands coming through, and so on. I am lucky to be here.

Was up until about three, crashed till a few minutes before an 8AM alarm. I have lunch plans, I think, and then it’s a venue change to The Usual Place for tonight’s six-band (!) festival crescendo. Looking forward to it. More pics after the jump in the meantime.

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Sound of Liberation Announces Lineup for ‘SOL Sonic Ride Part II’ 20th Anniversary Celebration

Posted in Whathaveyou on January 29th, 2025 by JJ Koczan

True, the first SOL Sonic Ride (info here) hasn’t happened yet, as European heavy booking company Sound of Liberation mark their 20th anniversary with a growing series of all-dayers, but this June in Wiesbaden, Germany, SOL Sonic Ride Part II will bring a fine sampling of touring acts to the proceedings, including King Buffalo, Brant Bjork Trio, the resurgent My Sleeping Karma, Valley of the Sun, Daily Thompson, The Machine and Einseinseins. Wait, that’s everybody. Well I guess it’s a pretty solid bill then.

Note that if you’re dividing the year into quarters — which is something I do around here every now and again; every couple months — this still only covers half of 2025. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there’s more to come before the year’s out. 20 years, especially 20 years booking heavy music in a time that’s seen the rise of the internet, a global pandemic, and unprecedented instability generally, is a triumph. They should have a party every weekend if that’s what they want. If it ends up being four throughout the rest of the year, well fucking earned.

From socials:

SOL SONIC RIDE PART II poster

⚡️20 YEARS OF SOUND OF LIBERATION – SOL SONIC RIDE PART ll⚡️

Hey friends,

The celebration continues! 🪩

Join us for SOL SONIC RIDE PART II on June 28, 2025, as we mark two decades of heavy riffs with another epic festival day!

Expect mind-blowing performances from a killer lineup, including:

KING BUFFALO • BRANT BJORK TRIO
MY SLEEPING KARMA • VALLEY OF THE SUN
DAILY THOMPSON • THE MACHINE • EINSEINSEINS
& more to be announced soon!

This time, we’re taking over Schlachthof Wiesbaden for a day packed with electrifying energy.

Get your tickets online at www.sol-tickets.com.🎫

Hardtickets are also available via www.sol-records.de.🎫

🗓️June 28, 2025
📍Schlachthof Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, Germany

Let’s ride the sonic wave once more! 🖤

Cheers,
Your Sound of Liberation Crew

Artwork by @branca_studio

https://www.facebook.com/Soundofliberation/
https://www.instagram.com/soundofliberation/
https://www.soundofliberation.com/
http://www.sol-tickets.com

King Buffalo, “Cerberus” live in Queens, NY, 01.17.25

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Ripplefest Texas 2025: Weedeater, Telekinetic Yeti, Shun, Human Impact, Valley of the Sun and More Added to Lineup

Posted in Whathaveyou on January 24th, 2025 by JJ Koczan

Okay, so here’s the deal. Last year, I found myself wanting to keep up with Ripplefest Texas‘ lineup additions and couldn’t really do anything coverage-wise because they were happening daily and that kind of turns the site into a one-subject show in a way that doesn’t really help. Took me a year to figure it out, but I’m going to do Friday updates like this one — a roundup of what’s been coming out every day from the fest since the last announcement — for as long as they go with the daily adds. I don’t know when that will be, how many bands are playing — 2024 was huge, I’d expect 2025 to be correspondingly proportioned — or what time your flight needs to get into Austin for you to get there in time for the start on Sept. 18. I’m low on insight. But this is a party that’s becoming central to the year here in the US, so I want to cover it as much as I can.

The fest had quite a week. This is in order from oldest to newest, so Weedeater were the first added, etc. Here you go:

ripplefest texas 2025 weedeater

RIPPLEFEST TEXAS 2025 – NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: WEEDEATER

Those infamous sludge outlaws WEEDEATER bring their own branded “weed-metal” to RippleFest Texas. Their style marks the crossroads where true Southern rock and metal meet raw humour, old religion, as well as weed and whiskey.

If you’ve seen them live before then you know what a great show they put on! If you haven’t seen them then you are in for a treat! Get your eardrums and your livers ready!

RIPPLEFEST TEXAS 2025 LUNA SOL

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: LUNA SOL

Denver’s high mountain stoner blues rock band, LUNA SOL, is fronted by singer and lead guitarist DAVID ANGSTROM, known from Hermano, Supafuzz, Black Cat Bone, and Asylum On The Hill. Celebrating their 14th year, they released an epic album, VITA MORS, on September 20, 2024, via Todd Severin’s kickass Ripple Music label.

On VITA MORS, Angstrom collaborates with drummer ZETH PEDULLA and bassist DOUG TACKETT, creating a unique chemistry that inspired them to capture the raw energy of their sessions. VITA MORS delivers a live sound, immersing listeners in an atmosphere reminiscent of a dive bar with heavy riffs and vivid Southern Kentucky roots. The album embodies a mix of fury and delicacy, providing a perfect backdrop for Angstrom’s powerful storytelling.

Following 2015’s “Blood Moon” and 2017’s “Below The Deep,” VITA MORS spans 50+ minutes, exploring themes of betrayal, love, murder, and heartache. It features contributions from friends across various bands, continuing LUNA SOL’s tradition of collaboration. Angstrom noted, “The riffs were flowing, the tones were massive …and the fun continues.”

LUNA SOL is currently scheduling various US dates + an EU 2025 tour. The band’s live show is always impressive and delivers a fistful of full frontal riffs and immense power from a wall of vintage amps …and beer. There’s always a lot of beer.

ripplefest texas 2025 shun

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: SHUN

Shun is a four-piece heavy, atmospheric post-rock band from the Western Carolinas (Greenville, SC / Asheville, NC) comprised of Matt Whitehead (Throttlerod), Rob Elzey, Jeff Baucom, and Bo Leslie (ex Throttlerod). Shun’s debut album was self-recorded during pandemic isolation, mixed by J Robbins (Clutch, The Sword, Coliseum, and so many more), and released on Small Stone Records. With styles ranging from melodic noise rock and heavy riffs to atmospheric largesse with contemplative, patient contraction, Shun emerged from the pandemic and began playing regional shows with bands like Shiner and Spotlights.

In 2024, Shun reteamed Small Stone and with J Robbins for their follow-up record, Dismantle, this time recording at J’s Magpie Cage studio in Baltimore, Maryland. Dismantle continues several crucial threads from the self-titled in terms of songwriting, while expanding their scope with a more refined crunch and drifting, ethereal outreach. It is heavier and paints a broader landscape in Matt Whitehead’s vocal and guitar melodies and reshapes it as the backdrop for weighted post-rock while refusing to sap its own vitality in service to shoegazey posturing.

Dismantle is able to push, pull, crash down loud or recede into float as Shun wills. That they’d wield such command in their craft likely won’t be a surprise to those who took on the self-titled, but among the things Dismantle undoes, it strips the listener of expectations and replaces them with its unflinching creativity and refreshingly forward-looking take.

ripplefest texas 2025 telekinetic yeti

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: TELEKINETIC YETI

Based out of Iowa, Telekinetic Yeti is a two-man band that delivers sonic brutality melded with psychedelic doom wizardry, forged by the worship of the almighty riff and honed by relentless touring and dedication to their craft.

Creating music as cryptically enchanting as it is heavy, you wouldn’t guess that the impressive cacophony pouring out of the speakers like molten, metal syrup is being produced by only two people. Founder and guitarist Alex Baumann explains, “Originally I decided not to have a bass player purely for logistical reasons, it was just another schedule to work around, another person who’s boss could tell us we can’t tour, but then I started seeing it as a challenge, like let’s see how heavy we can make it with just two people.”

After having Telekinetic Yeti 2 years ago at RippleFest Texas, we couldn’t wait to have them back!

ripplefest texas 2025 whores

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: WHORES.

Formed in 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia, the trio has established themselves as one of the most successful and motivated bands in the genre today. Elements of Helmet, Melvins, and the Amphetamine Reptile roster can be heard throughout their catalog, but Whores are no regurgitated throwback act. Through intense, cathartic live performances and the perfected aggressive tenacity present on their recordings, the band has gained a fervent following sure to do nothing but grow in the years to come.

ripplefest texas 2025 human impact

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: HUMAN IMPACT

Human Impact, the New York-based outfit founded by Chris Spencer (Unsane) and Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop), who recently released their sophomore album, Gone Dark (Oct. 4, Ipecac Recordings).

The Human Impact arsenal is more formidable than ever thanks to the addition of two more noise-rock veterans: bassist Eric Cooper (Made Out of Babies, Bad Powers) and drummer Jon Syverson (Daughters). Spencer had spent the 2020 COVID lockdown working on a cabin in the East Texas woods and would travel into Austin for informal jam sessions with the pair in the Cooper’s garage. Friendly blasts through vintage Unsane songs ultimately resulted in the rhythm section being fully absorbed into Human Impact.

ripplefest texas 2025 valley of the sun

NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT: VALLEY OF THE SUN

After fourteen years of rocking and rolling across the world, Valley of the Sun released their fifth lp, “Quintessence”, which explores new sonic dimensions for the band, who is once again in a three piece format. Over the years they have graced the stages of clubs and festivals alike, including Hellfest, Palp Festival, Keep It Low, Tabernas, Lazy Bones, Motocultor, and Desertfests New York, Berlin, London, and Belgium. Hellbent on dominating the world with their unique, unapologetic twist on stoner-grunge, they finally bring the show to Ripplefest Texas.

There is no greater family reunion than RippleFest Texas, so get your tickets now and get your eardrums and bodies ready for lots of crushing music and warm hugs!

Get Tix at: www.lickofmyspoon.com

https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic/
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LOMSProductions
https://www.instagram.com/LOMSProductions/
http://www.lickofmyspoon.com/
https://linktr.ee/Lickofmyspoon

Mothership, Live at Ripplefest Texas 2022

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Planet Desert Rock Weekend V: Night Two Poster and Lineup Revealed

Posted in Whathaveyou on November 22nd, 2024 by JJ Koczan

planet desert rock weekend v banner

After the reveal of the poster and lineup for night one last weekPlanet Desert Rock Weekend V presses its argument with a Ripple Music showcase on its second evening’s bill. With label-newcomers Godzillionaire opening — their album, Diminishing Returns, is out Jan. 17, as announced two days ago — and a bill that includes two import acts in Belgium’s Fire Down Below and Sweden’s JIRM, the sure guidance to grooving glory that is Ohio’s Valley of the Sun between them and no less than Fireball Ministry headlining, it’s another another killer night carved from a killer overall bill.

So what do we know so far? Plenty. Planet Desert Rock Weekend V will almost certainly have Joey Rudell posters for night three and its ‘Last Call’ Feb. 2 show too, and fest honcho John Gist notes there’s another announcement for night three coming, but now that night two is out, a rough estimate can be pieced together of what to expect for the day splits. Here’s how it looks:

Night one: Unida, MR.BISON, Sons of Arrakis, Samavayo (confirmed here)

Night two: Fireball Ministry, JIRM, Valley of the Sun, Fire Down Below, Godzillionaire (confirmed below)

Night three: Mos Generator, Solace, Sergeant Thunderhoof,
Omega Sun, Green Desert Water, (plus one more TBA)

Night four (Last Call): Duel, BoneHawk, Luna Sol, Iota, Jason Walker’s Badmotorfinger (confirmed here)

In other words, it looks pretty sweet. Looking forward to seeing who’s the last one to join the bill, probably next week.

From the PR wire:

planet desert rock weekend v night two

PDRW V – Night Two – Friday January 31st – Ripple Music Showcase

For Night 2 of Planet Desert Rock Weekend V we are proud to announce this as a Ripple Music Showcase evening! Since the beginnings of Vegas Rock Revolution, we have had strong ties to Ripple Music and their amazing roster of bands. From the early days of VRR we had Salem’s Bend, Void Vator , Rare Breed and Mothership play shows in the 1st year of our booking events. From there we had such Ripple bands as Freedom Hawk (PDRW ), Wo-Fat (PDRW), The Obsessed, 1000mods, The Watchers, Steak(PDRW) , High Desert Queen (PDRW), Sun Crow (PDRW) ,Blackwulf (PDRW), Wino(PDRW), War Cloud (PDRW), High Priestess, Ape Machine (PDRW),. Shotgun Sawyer (PDRW), Rifflord (PDRW), Horseburner, HTSOB and more!

Plus from Planet Desert Rock Weekend v2 we had 4 international bands that eventually would be part of the Ripple Split Series “Turned to Stone”. Mr. Bison (Italy), Saturna (Spain), Captain Caravan (Norway) and Kaiser (Finland) with 3 of them being curated by VRR’s John Gist.

So it only made sense as we were coming up with the roster for PDRW V that we do a night dedicated to such a fantastic label as Ripple Music. Headlining the evening with be Fireball Ministry who has been in a bit of a hibernating mode but has awaken with the re-release of their classic album “Their Rock is Not Our Rock” on Ripple Music. We have two amazing international bands playing exclusive USA shows with JIRM from Sweden and Fire Down Below out of Belgium. The thought of JIRM’s massive epic sound being heard in one of the best rock clubs sound wise at Count’s Vamp’d was more of a dream than anything. This will be a very special set and with Fire Down Below, we get to see a very hot Ripple band play their debut show in America. Long time heavy rockers Valley of the Sun whose Ripple Music release “The Chariot” landed on many people’s end of the year lists will be returning to Planet Desert Rock Weekend after playing the 1st one back in 2018.

And kicking off the evening is new Ripple band Godzillionaire that features Mark Hennesey who was also frontman for 90s grunge era band Paw. They have their new album “Diminishing Returns” being released in January 2025. Their debut album “Negative Balance” grabbed the attention early on from John Gist at Vegas Rock Revolution and Leanne Ridgeway of Mettle Media that helped get the momentum going for this album excellent band out of Kansas.

Night two event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/931143599075635/

Artwork is by Fuzz Evil’s Joey Rudell and we are excited to see what else he has in store for us on the remaining shows!

Saturday’s full lineup will be released soon and will include the final band announcement!

We are truly humbled by the response to Planet Desert Rock Weekend V! We will put a cap on how many tickets we sell as we want it to be a cool and comfortable weekender with your friends from around the world!

Cheers,
John
Vegas Rock Revolution / Planet Desert Rock Weekend

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/901571638307182/

Tickets for PDRW Last Call: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1022254108557

Tickets for PDRW V: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/873750791137

FB event: https://facebook.com/events/s/planet-desert-rock-weekend-v-j/1399556780734695/

https://www.facebook.com/VRRProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/vegasrockrevolution/

Planet Desert Rock Weekend V preview playlist

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Album Review: Valley of the Sun, Quintessence

Posted in Reviews on August 13th, 2024 by JJ Koczan

valley of the sun quintessence

This past Spring, Cincinnati, Ohio-based heavy rockers Valley of the Sun posted up the first five songs of their Quintessence LP as Quintessence Pt. 1, heralding their fourth album to come and subverting the general expectation of a single here, a single there ahead of a release date in favor of doing things their own way. Recorded with John Naclerio at Nada Recording Studio — with whom they’ve worked before, notably on 2011’s The Sayings of the Seers EP (review herediscussed here) and the band’s 2014 debut, Electric Talons of the Thunderhawk (review here); Naclerio also adds guitar to “I’ll See Them Burn” here — in April, Quintessence arrives some two years after the band’s third full-length, 2022’s The Chariot (review here), and finds the lineup shifted from a double-guitar four-piece to a trio with guitarist/vocalist Ryan Ferrier, bassist/keyboardist Chris Sweeney and drummer Johnny Kathman, self-releasing after a stretch with Fuzzorama Records and Ripple Music.

While the title seems to speak to some sense of an archetype, the album has been touted by the band as a departure, and in some ways it is. More likely the title refers to the fifth element of space alongside the traditional earth, air, fire and water; song titles like that of opener “Terra Luna Sol,” “Graviton,” “The Late Heavy Bombardment,” “Red Shift,” “Palus Somni” (located on the moon), “Theia” and “Aurora” speak to a spacey theme at least in terms of outward presentation, and the narrative (blessings and peace upon it) holds that this emerged from the fact that they were recording during the total solar eclipse (depicted on the Jarrod Warf cover art) earlier this year. Either way, much of what one has come to expect from a Valley of the Sun outing remains intact, and considering the quality of their craft over the better part of the last 15 years, that should be read as a compliment. “The Late Heavy Bombardment” opens to a fuzzy nodder of a hook that stands alongside a swath of compatriots from their discography, while “I’ll See Them Burn” shoves forward in the later going of Quintessence with a particularly aggressive movement and a sub-three-minute runtime ahead of the ambient interlude “Aurora” and the closing title-track, which stretches over seven minutes as it heads into a long fade following what feels like a duly-weighted, riff-propelled culmination for what the rest of the record has offered up to that point.

As to that, much of the departure seems to be in the overarching feel rather than the structure of what FerrierSweeney and Kathman are playing. Quintessence is still very identifiably a Valley of the Sun album, and benefits from the distinctive fullness of tone and spaciousness the band bring to desert-style heavy. If something is missing from the transition from four players to three, it doesn’t show on the record, though part of that might owe to the fact that in addition to Naclerio and Pete Koretzky, who plays guitar on the early slowdown “Where’s This Place?” (shortened from its original title “Where’s This Place I Roam?”) and their respective bass and drum duties, Sweeney and Kathman also contribute guitar alongside Ferrier‘s own. Fair enough. But “Where’s This Place?” is part of what’s different as well, as it sees the band more willing to throttle back the stage-ready energy that has characterized them up to this point in new ways, offering more complexity of mood. There’s bombast a-plenty in the crashing second half of “Graviton” and a fuzzed-to-the-gills sprawl set forth in “Theia,” but even the latter uses atmospherics in a more patient way, trading back and forth in volume, while “Aurora” and the corresponding side A interlude “Red Shift” deepen the contemplative impression and thus shift the context of Quintessence as a whole.

valley of the sun

Is it a stark, radical contrast to the band Valley of the Sun have worked diligently to establish themselves as being for the last decade-plus? No. But neither does it feel like it’s trying to be. “Terra Luna Sol” sets out with a charge that reminds of earlier Solace, while “Palus Somni” pairs hard stops with more straight-ahead verse riffing, and even as Ferrier changes up around his central belt-it-out vocal approach in the early going of “Theia,” or “Palus Somni” and “Where’s This Place?,” he pushes his register on “Quintessence” in a way that is familiar even as it carries the adrenaline of that moment to another level entirely. Ultimately, it is the blend of the recognizable and the new — the proggy flourish of keyboard around the winding guitar in the first half of “Theia,” etc. — that gives Quintessence its distinguishing features, but for those who’ve followed the band, there’s little in the construction that would put one off; Valley of the Sun remain accessible and “Palus Somni” still sounds like it was composed to be played on stage. The difference is there’s more depth to the listening experience and the songs try some new ideas. Continued growth on the part of the band is not going to be a detriment to the audience hearing them, and sure enough, it isn’t as Quintessence unfolds.

It might be a little sadder than one expects Valley of the Sun to be, but I’ll allow that could also be reading into the evocations of “Red Shift” and “Aurora,” and that the album doesn’t just do one thing. That is, if “Where’s This Place?” and “Palus Somni” dare a bit of melancholy, the prevailing spirit of Quintessence is still electric, in both of those songs as well as “I’ll See Them Burn,” “Graviton,” “Terra Luna Sol,” and so on. And if it’s a question of one or the other — mind you I’m not sure it is — Quintessence adds much more to the scope of what Valley of the Sun do musically than it takes away, such that the title-track is given a due sense of arrival for the dynamic they’ve fostered throughout the preceding span. I don’t know what the band’s next chapter might be — they’re on tour now supporting Heavy Temple, which is a hell of a show to see if you can; they’re headlining in Europe this Fall — what the configuration of their lineup might be when they get there, or what it might have to say in building on the expression here, but four albums on, Valley of the Sun are evolving in their maturity while holding to the songwriting that’s been a major strength through their whole run to this point. There’s no level on which that isn’t a win, either conceptually or in execution.

Valley of the Sun, Quintessence (2024)

Valley of the Sun on Facebook

Valley of the Sun on Instagram

Valley of the Sun on Bandcamp

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Valley of the Sun Announce Fall European Tour with Daevar

Posted in Whathaveyou on June 12th, 2024 by JJ Koczan

Valley of the Sun

I’m pretty sure that by the time Valley of the Sun embark on this October run through the parts of Europe that are mostly Germany in the company of rad murk-doom up and covers Daevar, the second part of the Ohio-based heavy rockers’ Quintessence LP will be released. Led by guitarist/vocalist Ryan Ferrier, the now-self-releasing unit offered Quintessence Pt. 1 in early May, and the second five tracks of the total 10 that make up the offering seem to be slated for July as per their Bandcamp, while vinyl preorders are listed for Oct. 4 — better get those packages together before you head out, dudes — and CDs on Sept. 25. Pick your poison as regards formats — it’s gonna be fuzzy either way.

The run is taking place under the banner of Sound of Liberation, so appearances for Valley of the Sun at Up in SmokeKeep it Low, Desertfest Belgium and Lazy Bones fests make sense, and you’ll note the Westill Fest in France closes the tour at the start of November. I don’t know much about that one — it’s probably been around for 30 years — but they booked Valley of the Sun, so at very least they’ve got that going in their favor.

SOL posted the following to socials this morning. Remember, if you’re someplace with a TBA, you should help if you can:

valley of the sun euro fall 2024

VALLEY OF THE SUN EUROPE TOUR 2024 WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAEVAR

Hey friends, we’re super stoked to present you the Valley Of The Sun Europe tour 2024!🔥

Special guest for many of the shows will be Daevar!💥⚸

Check out the dates below and grab your tickets!🚀

04.10.2024 (DE) Münster, Rare Guitar
05.10.2024 (CH) Pratteln, Up In Smoke
06.10.2024 (IT) Bologna, Freakout Club
07.10.2024 (IT) Altroquando, Zero Branco
08.10.2024 (IT) Bozen, Südwerk
09.10.2024 (AT) Innsbruck, PMK
10.10.2024 (DE) Nürnberg, MUZ
11.10.2024 (DE) Munich, Keep It Low
12.10.2024 (DE) Siegen, Vortex*
13.10.2024 (DE) Dresden, Chemiefabrik*
14.10.2024 (DE) Berlin, Zukunft*
15.10.2024 (DE) Hannover, Faust*
16.10.2024 (DE) Würzburg, Immerhin*
17.10.2024 (DE) Cologne, Volta*
18.10.2024 (DE) Erfurt, VEB Kultur*
19.10.2024 (BE) Antwerpen, Desertfest*
20.10.2024 TBA*
21.10.2024 TBA*
22.10.2024 (DE) Fulda, Kreuz*
23.10.2024 (NL) Nijmegen, Merlejn*
24.10.2024 (DE) Bielefeld, Forum*
25.10.2024 (DE) Den Bosch, W2*
26.10.2024 (DE) Hamburg, Lazy Bones*
27.10.2024 (DK) Copenhagen, Stengade
30.10.2024 TBA
31.10.2024 TBA
01.11.2024 TBA
02.11.2024 (FR) Vallet, Westill Festival
*w/ Daevar

Valley of the Sun are:
Ryan Ferrier – guitars and vocals
Chris Sweeney – bass, keys, and additional guitars
Johnny Kathman – drums, percussion, and additional guitars
(Additional guitars on Where’s This Place I Roam? by Pete Koretzky)

https://www.facebook.com/valleyofthesun/
https://www.instagram.com/valleyofthesunband/
http://valleyofthesun.bandcamp.com/

Valley of the Sun, Quintessence (2024)

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Desertfest Belgium 2024 Lineup Complete; Conan, Causa Sui, Ruff Majik & More Added

Posted in Whathaveyou on June 5th, 2024 by JJ Koczan

I mean, it’s not like the 2024 lineup for Desertfest Antwerp — aka Desertfest Belgium — wasn’t already stunning, but go ahead and throw ConanCausa SuiRuff Majik, Birds in Row, Valley of the SunDelvingDaevarCoilguns, and the others below into the mix and that definitely doesn’t hurt. The headliners speak for themselves — Monster Magnet are a call to show up, Fu Manchu will be supporting their new record, which is out this month, and Russian Circles are Russian Circles — but as you dig into each line of the poster below, you can see there isn’t really a point where the hits stop coming. I won’t claim to be familiar with the likes of Tangled HornsGiac TaylorThroatsnapper or Divided, who are also newly tacked onto the bill, but as they join the likes of SpaceslugStoned JesusMessaChild, and others on my personal hope-I-see-before-I-die list, it’s striking both how broad and how rad this lineup is on the whole.

And yes, that’s the extent of the insight. This looks killer. I’ve only been through Belgium once, and it was to change trains. I was there just long enough to try and fail at ordering coffee in French, but if there ever was a reason to want to head back and give that another shot likely to the same result, this would likely be it. Rezn and Seedy Jeezus and Mondo Drag? In the parlance of our times: “let’s go.”

Ticket link and the relatively brief final announcement from the fest follow here, emojis intact, as seen on social media:

Desertfest Belgium 2024 final lineup

Hold fast for the 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 lineup is complete! ⚡ Forged in blood and sweat, we present you with the final additions to the bill:

Conan / Birds in Row / Causa Sui / Valley of the Sun / Coilguns / delving / Ruff Majik / Red Scalp / Tangled Horns / Divided / Throatsnapper / Giac Taylor / Daevar

Now with that sweet cherry on top there’s no reason not to get a ticket 🍒: https://www.desertfest.be/antwerp/information/ticketing/

Spread the word, share the post and see you later in Antwerp!

http://www.desertfest.be/
https://www.facebook.com/desertfestbelgium/
https://www.instagram.com/desertfest_belgium/

Ruff Majik, “Swine Tooth Grin” live in Nürnberg, Germany, 05.29.24

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Valley of the Sun Release Quintessence Pt. 1

Posted in Whathaveyou on May 3rd, 2024 by JJ Koczan

Valley of the Sun

Whatever brand of headache you’re working with today — be it work, family, life, hangover, bangover, undercaffeination, overcaffeination, general existential dread, etc. — Valley of the Sun offer Quintessence Pt. 1, the first half of their upcoming self-released LP, as the way out from under it. Recorded not one full month ago, these five new tracks find the long-running Ohoian heavy rockers led by guitarist/vocalist Ryan Ferrier operating as a trio with Chris Sweeney on bass/keys (also some guitar) and Johnny Kathman on drums (also also some guitar), and releasing in DIY fashion as the follow-up to The Chariot (review here), released in 2022 on Fuzzorama Records and Ripple Music.

Ferrier, Sweeney and Kathman pull back on some of the desert-hued thrust that might come to mind if you heard The Chariot or their preceding LPs with “Graviton,” and “Where’s This Place I Roam?” highlights a moodier atmosphere, but “Palus Somni” is as characteristic — quintessential? — Valley of the Sun as you could hope to hear, and as Pt. 1 is only half the story they’re telling, I’ll be all-ears for the rest whenever it might arrive.

They’re already confirmed for a return to Europe this October to play Keep it Low Festival in Munich, and I’m pretty sure there’s more touring to be announced shortly, so keep an eye out. In the meantime, album info and such goes like this, and physical-edition preorders are up now:

Valley of the Sun Quintessence Pt 1

Inspired by the total solar eclipse which took place on day 1 of recording (April 8, 2024), Quintessence marks a return to the three-piece format for Valley of the Sun. With massive, sub-octave guitars, thundering bass, and a backbone of rock-solid drumming, the album is a bit of a departure from previous efforts, but long-time fans of the band will still find all the riffs, melodies, and soaring vocals that they’ve come to expect from VOTS over its previous four LP’s.

Releases July 25, 2024.

Quintessence Pt. 1 tracklisting:
1. Terra Luna Sol 04:25
2. Graviton 06:30
3. Where’s This Place I Roam? 04:35
4. The Late Heavy Bombardment 04:18
5. Palus Somni 04:58

Produced, mixed, and mastered by John Naclerio at Nada Recording Studio in Montgomery, New York.
Artwork by Jarrod Warf.

Valley of the Sun are:
Ryan Ferrier – guitars and vocals
Chris Sweeney – bass, keys, and additional guitars
Johnny Kathman – drums, percussion, and additional guitars
(Additional guitars on Where’s This Place I Roam? by Pete Koretzky)

https://www.facebook.com/valleyofthesun/
https://www.instagram.com/valleyofthesunband/
http://valleyofthesun.bandcamp.com/

Valley of the Sun, Quintessence (2024)

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