Hooveriii‘s “Pointe” doesn’t just break genre barriers; it shatters them into a thousand mesmerizing pieces. Released on October 13 via The Reverberation Appreciation Society, this latest offering from the Los Angeles-based band is a sonic revelation that defies expectations and takes listeners on a journey through the far-reaching expanses of psychedelic rock, psychedelic pop, garage rock, shoegaze, and dream pop. From the outset, “Prom” sets the tone with a spacey groove that pulls you into Hooveriii’s sonic universe. The band’s ability to tastefully blend different genres is nothing short of alchemical, creating a nostalgic and refreshingly innovative sound. It’s a hypnotic cocktail of addictive melodies and irresistible harmonies that immediately distinguishes “Pointe” as a standout in the psychedelic realm.
What’s truly remarkable is Hooveriii’s consistent knack for injecting a breath of fresh air into the genre. In an era where predictability often plagues musical landscapes, “Pointe” stands tall as an unpredictable force, eschewing the conventional in favor of a more esoteric and intriguing sonic journey. The album pays homage to the band’s roots while fearlessly stretching toward an unknown future, capturing a sense of evolution that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The instrumentation on “Pointe” is a symphony of surprises. Hooveriii employs a comprehensive arsenal of instruments, from drums and guitars to keyboards, xylophone, and a brass section. The result is a rich and luxurious sonic landscape that gradually unfolds, revealing hidden layers with each listen. This thorough attention to detail not only showcases the band’s versatility but also ensures that every track is a multi-dimensional experience.
The lead vocal harmonies lie at the heart of the album. It’s a driving force that shapes the mesmerizing ambiance with each delivered note. The perfect balance between low, mid, and high notes exemplifies the band’s craftsmanship, emphasizing the nuances of each composition. The leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions serve as a perfect backdrop for the outstanding lead vocals, creating a delicate dance between sonic textures that is nothing short of enthralling. Hooveriii’s sonic maneuvers are equally complex, with the band gracefully floating between semi-distorted, heavily distorted, and fuzzy territories. This constant flux adds layers of complexity to the overarching ambiance, keeping the listener on the edge of sonic discovery. The warm and vividly hearable low-ends act as a grounding force, providing the necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth that seamlessly bind guitars and drums.
Drumming takes center stage with an outstanding performance that dictates groove and pace. From half-time to moderate beats, well-accentuated breaks, fills, and percussive acrobatics, rhythmic mastery is a driving force behind the album’s dynamism. The band’s introduction of keyboard and synth leads, as well as the inclusion of a brass section and xylophone in specific tracks, further expands the psychedelic feel of the material, adding an extra layer of complexity and depth. While it’s a challenge to pinpoint standout moments in an album where the entire material is magnificent, tracks like “Prom,” “The Tall Grass,” “This Rock,” “Can You Hear Me Calling,” “The Ship That I Sail” undeniably rise to the top. Each track serves as rock-solid proof of their ability to craft compositions that transcend the ordinary and leave an indelible mark on the listener. “Pointe” is more than an album; it’s a sonic adventure, a kaleidoscopic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of psychedelic music. The album is available on a limited edition black vinyl, empowered by a marvelous visual identity that perfectly suits Hooveriii’s sound. Head to The Reverberation Appreciation Society web store for more information about ordering.
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