EARTH DRIVE: Helix Nebula (STONER): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If, between "Planet Mantra" (2015), "Stellar Drone" (2017) and today "Helix Nubula", the name of each of his albums evokes space, sounding like an invitation to a cosmic trip, Earth Drive actually has its feet firmly planted in the ground, adept of a powerfully heavy rock.

That said, those who would expect from this Portuguese band an umpteenth slice of oily Stoner scented with herbs could be a little disappointed. Because Earth Drive is a bit of everything at the same time, Stoner, Doom, Psyche, without anyone being able to lock him into a specific box, so much his rock is varied.

The guitars offer heavy lines but open up landscapes that are nevertheless atmospheric and almost lunar in the image of the hypnotic 'Spectra' whose hearth rumbles with intense heat. Trapue, the rhythmics vibrate with a pulsating force ('Dharma Throne'). As for Sara Antunes' voice, velvety and cuddly, it is pigmented with grunge and it decorate the band's music with an energy that is both raw and full of tenderness. The backing vocals provided by guitarist Hermano Marques contribute to give a very melodic, even almost pop ('Space God') touch to this album.

Let's add to this description some very short tracks which participate by their ambient tones of a cosmic and strange dimension ('Phantalien'). Some of them, including 'Nagarjuna', a real black hole haunted by a distant song, are even among the most beautiful jewels adorning this "Helix Nebula" as surprising as it is salvific. At the end, seduction operates, making this third exploration a very personal record, almost alternative, with a psychedelic and progressive side which has the potential to attract a large audience.

So don't miss Earth Drive and particularly this "Helix Nebula" crowns with melancholic elegance and velvet power. - Official website

EARTH DRIVE

HELIX NEBULA

AUTRE LABEL

STONER