Tasha-Yar – Tasha-Yar (2011)

In the same vein of U.S.Christmas, Hawkwind, and other Psychedelic Space Rockers, today we have Tasha-Yar and their very impressive self-released self-titled album. In this release we are treated to 8 tracks of pure atmospheric brilliance that will transport the listener to lands far far away.

Featuring ex-members of U.S. Christmas and Chad Davis of Hour of 13, this band creates a very unique and hypnotic atmosphere infused with Psychedelic elements that will blow you away. Each of the songs in this album nicely flows after each other and before you know it, you will find yourself hitting the play button again.

Opening with “Twisted Sage”, the band slowly builds momentum and around the middle of the song we finally get some ripping guitars that greatly complement the ritualistic drums and space-age synths in this track. The following trilogy of songs under the name of “Wasted Light Years” starts off with a typical Space Rock song titled “White Squirrel” and quickly evolves into the trippier song “Formation of Being”. Closing the trilogy we have “Flight of the Scanners” a more straight forward track that keeps the space atmosphere alive with the synths, but has an underlying Psychedelic Rock structure that is very catchy.

The ‘acoustic’ track “Acorn Falls” nicely eases the listener for the next onslaught of out-of-body experience soundtrack pieces. “Empty” hand follows a similar format than the opening track and due to the relaxing atmosphere; this is our favorite song of the release. Closing the album we have “Sunrise” and “Judgment Hour”, two very atmospheric tracks that infuse tranquility into our hectic days unlike many songs we have heard in the last few weeks.

The band does a great job in creating songs that feature dense atmospheres and well crafted guitars and drums. The vocals are fairly standard for the genres and provide something else to pay attention to, but could have easily been taken out of the equation and this album would be as effective. The rock elements are very nicely mixed between the atmospheric sections, creating intoxicating songs that go beyond the ‘pounding guitars’ formula.

In general, this band deserves the same or even more attention that U.S. Christmas and similar acts. All their songs are very well crafted and they transfer emotions very effectively. The album surely be well received by fans of the genre and will be enjoyed by even the old-school listeners of Psychedelic/Space rock. If you can get a hold of this release, you will never regret it.

Release: 2011

Country: USA