Review Summary: On solid rock I stand - all other ground is sinking sand.
Regenerator is a stoner rock/psychedelic album. A progressive motif sets this album apart from the pack as songs ebb and shift. The drummer lays down standard patterns albeit with skill and some lovely ghost notes, but what’s layered on top is the true highlight. The guitars are a treat, setting some almost post-rock like ambient tones, watery psychedelics, and of course the crucial stoner buzz. Another common occurrence is how the tracks play out; tracks often start simple and gradually evolve with little guitar intricacies arising along the journey. However, the song Mercury immediately blasts off into showering drum patterns. You never quite know which way the wind will turn.
There’s a stark lack of vocal parts included in Regenerator. A measure of songs begin with singing only to abandon it completely in favour of instrumental sections played for the remainder of time. The instrumentals are great but catchy vocal lines are spread a little thinly. When the straightforward rocker Avalon showed up for track six - and had a legitimate chorus - I was shocked. With minimal vocal presence the album practically lives and dies based on its soundscape. Unfortunately, there’s not enough pizzazz aside from the ever shifting guitar lines. Tracks are not as gripping as they very easily could have been. Still, what they bring to the table works well enough. The album is full of chill rock tunes that are a pleasure to listen to.
Thankfully the progressive nature of the album doesn’t grow tired despite some lengthy tracks around the nine minute mark. Songs build up adding new melodies and a handful of catchy vocal hooks. The album vibes thanks to stellar production that allows even the bass guitar to shine, and despite some psychedelics involved (including minor synth work) the soundscape is clean, inviting, and not suffocating in the least. Clear thought has been put into how pieces integrate, thereby the instruments are woven tightly. It’s not simply the impressive production that perks up the album, it’s also the band’s stellar musicianship. It may be redundant to say, but I was quite stunned by the capabilities of the band.
Regenerator is a difficult album to pass up. I enjoyed the singing, and every turn of the instruments. I found myself returning to the album to see what little flourishes I missed. This is a well done album and should please anyone interested in stoner rock or just rock in general. It’s corny to say, but there’s truly something for everyone.
