Rockfreaks.net

Allah-Las

Allah-Las

Written by: BV on 02/06/2013 21:32:34

Okay, let’s get the facts straight from the start. As many a reader might have noticed by now, I am a huge fan of the California sound of jangling rock n’ roll that tends to get labeled as psychedelic garage rock. It was a rather obvious choice then that I would hunt down the debut album of a band known as Allah-Las. Their self-titled debut was released in late 2012 and it is therefore with a hint of regret that it has taken me this long to actually get around to reviewing it. Nonetheless it’s what I’m going to do now, so no sweat I guess.

Allah-Las are characterized by the reverb-drenched, almost surf-inspired, guitar parts that jangle with a familiarity that is all too welcome if one is already a fan of bands like The Setting Son, The Hedgehogs or even Jefferson Airplane (to some extent). The hazy vocals remind me a great deal of the traditional vocal set one tends to associate with the jangly psych-pop of the 60’s where many a word is muttered but the general outline of the lyrics is easily understandable. On a track like “Don’t You Forget It” a rocking bass shines through with its almost rubber-band like sound that easily takes the listener in to the soothing tones and the jangling of a delightfully chiming 12-string guitar. - The backup vocals on the track are also fundamental in achieving the mood that fits so well to this particular genre of music.

With “No Voodoo” the similarities with The Setting Son are increasingly obvious, much to my personal enjoyment as I’ve been missing bands with this particular soundscape in mind. The surf-inspired low-tempo drumbeat paired with the rich-bodied and mightily textured guitar parts creates the sort of beach-party ambience that constantly makes me think I was born in the wrong decade, as psychedelia infused beach parties and happenings are characterizations of an era that has come and past – possibly never to return again, despite bands like Allah-Las delightful attempts at bringing back such a vibe.

As the album comes to a close with the up-beat and funky track “Long Journey”, I can’t stop thinking about how much I am actually digging the sounds of this album. Granted, the soundscape turns monotonous from time to time – which is almost a tradition with this particular genre, but I nonetheless feel relaxed and superbly entertained throughout the 40-some minutes of the albums total runtime. As the album nears its final spin for the time being, I’m making a mental note that this is one of those albums I’ll have to revisit when my reviewing schedule allows it – it’s simply that good.

Download: Long Journey, Don’t You Forget It, Tell Me (What’s On Your Mind)
For The Fans Of: The Setting Son, The Hedgehogs, 13th Floor Elevators
Listen: facebook.com/allahlasmusic

Release Date 26.10.12
Innovative Leisure