ninehertz

Exile on Mainstream stride into 2026, still going strong well beyond two decades of service; consistently in that time providing support and exposure to countless bands, with a wide variety of musical styles but commonality in a unique or unusual approach and highest quality bands unearthed for our benefit. Gavial, from Dresden, are the latest proof.

I was bowled over by the album’s beginnings immediately. This is heavy psych and stoner rock, with blues and doom thrown in. Right from the first few seconds, there’s a delicious feel to it that wins you over before you’ve even settled in. The vocals are distinctive in a fresh manner, the light-touch psychedelia adding an aura that sweeps you into its world. It has something of All Them Witches at their Dying Surfer Meets His Maker best.

When that is followed by tracks of vibrant indie psych cool, nods to Mark Lanegan or (a bit more obscurely) Shit the Cow, and a hazy sheen summer joy in these wintery times, you know this is something special. I’m drawn into memories of the 00s period of heavy psych, of the rosters of labels like Tee Pee and Kemado.

It does start to drift for me after the third song a little, sad to say – but only a touch. It’s bluesiness turns to 90s alternative and grunge – Jane’s Addiction, Screaming Trees, even Pearl Jam thoughts arise at one point. It is still enjoyable, just a (perhaps inevitable) drop off from such an enthralling beginning. They end with a cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game, achieving what any band should with a cover (make it your own), but it still feels like a bit of an odd way to finish.

This review should not end on a downer however – I am glad to be awoken to the music of Gavial, who at their best create a rich beauty in their psych that I can listen to on repeat for hours.