ninehertz

Leeds – long the hardcore capital of the UK is of late finding its heavy psych feet with Amon Acid, Self Immolation Music and now Sunbreather; it will probably always be a hotbed of underground talent.

That Sunbreather can barge into that list on their debut is astounding, but this self-titled album is instantly excellent. After a quiet intro track, Apricity opens with a cool stoner riff leading to vocals that set a hazy, cloudy mood. There’s some of Elephant Tree’s masterful progressiveness within.

The self-self-titled song that follows is even better, chilled vibes fondly recalling the pleasure of listening to Colour Haze – beautiful fuzzy, heavy psych stoner rock, a rare quality to the song that is a joy. Even on the one track I’m not totally taken with, WINE, there’s evidence of not resting on their laurels, sounding like a warped Spiritual Beggars, just not working for me.

That variance is there too on Sleep (a bold song title for a stoner/doom band), with its tripped out droney sensations repeating you into a lulled state. It ends with Aubade, the changes again present and subtle, but with clear indication that there is a distinct uniqueness to this new band on the block. From out of nowhere, Sunbreather have created a fine stoner rock debut album.