When it comes to psychedelic pop, Elephant Stone isn’t just a band; they’re architects of a musical universe that’s as vast and immersive as the cosmos itself. Their latest cosmic journey, “Back Into The Dream,” dropped on February 23rd, 2023, and it’s nothing short of a trip worth taking. Led by the sonic maestro Rishi Dhir, Elephant Stone is one of those bands that continuously introduces you to mind-bending music you didn’t know you needed. “Back Into The Dream” is their seventh full-length release, and it exemplifies their growth, experimentation, and, most importantly, their refusal to be pigeonholed into a single genre.
Let’s talk vibes. From the get-go, the album is like a warm sonic hug. It’s the kind of music that feels like sinking into your favorite chair after a long day – it’s comforting and relaxing, but there’s an electrifying energy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Dhir’s fingerprints are all over this one. His songwriting, composing, and producing skills are the glue that holds everything together. You can feel the passion and attention to detail in every note, every chord progression, and every layer of sound. It’s like he took a paintbrush and turned the studio into a vibrant canvas of psychedelic hues.
The arsenal of used instruments is nearly mindblowing – guitars, sitar, mellotron, Hammond, farfisa, synths –it is a comprehensive collection responsible for every sonic layer you’ll hear on this ear-appealing journey. The result? A simultaneously intricate and accessible sonic landscape. You’ll also notice how the equally impressive basslines offer heaviness, depth, and clarity, while the outstanding drumming performance dictates groove and tempo with the entire palette built upon well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. Dhir’s vocals are the cherry on top. His voice glides effortlessly over the melodies, hitting low, mid, and high notes with such precision and finesse. There’s a dreamy quality to his delivery that perfectly complements the laid-back, yet dynamic, instrumentals. It’s the kind of vocal performance that gives you chills and makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon some hidden musical elixir.
“Lost In A Dream” is the introductory piece that sets the tone with its hypnotic groove, preparing you for the journey ahead. “The Spark” is a burst of sonic energy that’ll have you nodding your head involuntarily. “Going Underground” and “History Repeating” are like chapters in a psychedelic novel, each telling a story that unfolds with every beat and strum. And then there’s “The Imaginary, Nameless Everybody In The World” – a title as trippy as the track itself. It’s a sonic kaleidoscope that’ll transport you to a place where time seems to lose its grip. But let’s not play favorites; the entire album is a gem. Every track deserves your utmost attention because Elephant Stone invested so many brilliant ideas into it. “Another Year Gone” closes the experience with a sense of introspection, leaving you in that dreamy afterglow that great music often imparts.
“Back Into The Dream” is like a musical Rorschach test – everyone will find something different, something personal, in its depths. Elephant Stone has crafted an album that’s not just a collection of songs but an experience, a sonic sojourn that invites you to get lost in the dream. For the vinyl enthusiasts, Fuzz Club prepared exclusive blue-sky marble vinyl, while the regular version includes clear vinyl housed in a gatefold LP. Trust me, if you’re into flawlessly executed psych-pop that’s as easy on the ears as it is on the soul, you need to snag this album as soon as possible. Elephant Stone’s “Back Into The Dream” is a trip you won’t want to miss.
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