Across Tundras – Sage (2011)

Usually all releases from Neurot Recordings are very interesting and Across Tundras seventh full-length release “Sage” is not an exception. Blending Psychedelic Rock, Sludge and some Americana elements, the band creates a very dense and multi-faceted album that will take a while to fully enjoy.

Opening with the very intricate “In the Name of River Grand”, we immediately notice the majestic guitar work paired with the pounding bass guitar line. Once the vocals find their way into the song the overall atmosphere shifts to a more direct combination of Psychedelic Rock and Americana influences. Clocking in at eight minutes, this track is the perfect appetizer for what is to come in “Sage”.

The sludgy “Hijo de Desierto” continues the dense atmosphere and the relentless guitar pounding makes this song very enjoyable. For full-on Psychedelic songs we have “Buried Arrows” and “The Book of Truth”, when the Psychedelic influences are paired with some Americana elements makes these songs very different from the rest. The epic “Mean Seasons Movin’ On” goes through several different phases and delivers a very diverse song that features bits and pieces of what the whole album brings to the table.

The band closes the album with the trippy instrumental “Shunka Sapa” and leaves us wanting more. Through the seven songs in this release, the band showcases how well they have evolved and refined their sound over the years. Their abilities to craft engaging and diverse songs are unparalleled and with “Sage” they clearly show why they are on Neurot Recordings.

If you are looking for a powerful album that will give you many hours of replay value, “Sage” is the album for you. The band’s efforts are nicely rewarded with one of the most interesting and diverse albums released (so far) in this 2011.

Release: May 17th, 2011

Country: USA