Now it’s time for part two of the new music released via my good pals over at Dirty Filthy Records.
The saucily named Sex Blender hail from Lviv, Ukraine, and they’ve been bending minds and genres since their inception in 2017. Their debut, Hormonizer, was a heady concoction of heavy psych, krautrock, and stoner rock, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the modern psych scene. Their sophomore release, The Second Coming, delved deeper into experimental realms, blending intricate structures with expansive soundscapes.
Now, they return with Naïve Core, inviting us on another sonic odyssey, pushing their boundaries even further. Let’s drop the needle and take off into their world.
The album ignites with ‘Flaming Banana Pt 1’, a track that immediately thrusts us into a what this band are all about. Soaring, spacious guitar and pulsating rhythms. Spaced out Kosmische rock at its finest. The guitar soloing is just exceptional with the rhythm section holding things down providing a platform for the guitar to shine.
The title track, ‘Naïve Core’, shifts gears into a more groove-laden territory. With a bassline that hooks you from the start and guitars and synths that weave in and out like a psychedelic tapestry, this track exemplifies the band’s ability to meld complexity with accessibility. It’s a groovy wee number that challenges your expectations in ways you wouldn’t expect. Is it Prog? Is it Psyche? I’ll let you decide.
Next up ‘Mojohead’ is a swaggering beast of a track. Again, the Kosmische undertones are evident, but they’re filtered through a lens of 70’s prog style organ. The result is an altogether unique sound that conjures images of late nights in the city and smoky clubs. It’s raw, unfiltered, and undeniably captivating.
Closing out Side A, ‘Lost Identity Blues’ takes a more introspective turn. The melancholic melodies and reflective lyrics delve into the inferred themes of self-discovery and existential pondering. The track’s slower pace allows for a deeper listening and you find yourself fixating on the solos, both organ and guitar. It’s a poignant counterbalance to the preceding more high-energy songs and brings this side to a neat conclusion.
Flipping to Side B, ‘Organoid’ introduces an experimental flair. The track’s structure is unconventional, with shifting time signatures and a mosaic of sonic textures. It’s a testament to the band’s willingness to explore uncharted territories, blending elements of prog-rock with their psychedelic roots.
‘Superdakuju!’ is an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The intricate instrumentation and throbbing rhythm section create a sense of urgency, propelling the track forward. There’s a playful energy here, with hints of Eastern musical scales interwoven, adding an exotic flavour to the mix.
Bringing the album full circle, ‘Flaming Banana Pt 2’ revisits themes from the opening track but amplifies them to new heights. The intensity is dialled up, with soaring solos and a relentless rhythm section driving the track to a climactic conclusion. It’s a fitting end to an album that refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
Naïve Core is a bold statement from Sex Blender, showcasing their evolution as artists unafraid to take risks. Each track offers a distinct experience, yet together they form a cohesive narrative that challenges and rewards in equal measure. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to explore the fringes of psychedelic rock and beyond. So, take the plunge, embrace the chaos, and let Naïve Core reshape your musical horizons.
Naïve Core is out now on vinyl via Dirty Filthy Records and Echodelick Records and digitally on the Sex Blender Bandcamp page.
You can follow Sex Blender on social media here…….
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