Photo Credit: Vivian
Written By Maria Arroyo
Hailing all the way from Fremantle, Australia, is the psychedelic rock band, Datura4. Today the psych-rock band release their newest album, West Coast Highway Cosmic. Datura4 is made up of frontman Dom Mariani, bassist Stu Loasby, key player Bob Patient, and drummer Warren Hall. Datura4 also implements styles of boogie and progressive blues throughout the tracks of the new release. These trips back and forth have been a huge part of the creative process and have been described by the band as the “constant spirit over all of our studio recordings.”
“I see every album as an extension from the previous one,” Mariani says. “I’m conscious about not rehashing the same things over. The collection of tunes on WCHC is slightly more eclectic than on the previous albums, which makes it really interesting and exciting for albums in the future. There was a more spontaneous and looser approach for the majority of the recording, where we would take the basic song idea and let things go until we had the take that we liked. We got into the grooves you might say.”
Opening up the album is “West Coast Highway Cosmic,” which immediately showcases those influences of progressive blues with a huge dive into the psychedelic realm. The buildup of instrumentation adds more depth to the album and keeps things exciting through the longer songs.
“Wolfman Woggie” is another song with a lot to uncover because of the different layers, but it makes for a more interesting listen. “Mother Medusa” pulled some more rock influences into the mix. I loved the catchy guitar riff in the song, and I love the direction that the album started to take.
The next handful of songs became a huge turning point for the album. The experience that comes with these next couple of songs is completely different than the first few on the record.
“A Darker Shade Of Brown” really led the way in terms of the change in feeling. I loved the groove they were able to capture in the recording. Their next song “You’re The Only One” has more of a mysterious feeling to it. There’s an eerie and almost haunting notion to the song, but it really pulls you into their world. The tension between their rock sound and this haunting psychedelic sound is really neat and not something that I’ve really heard before.
Another favorite off the record is “Rule My World” with its strong and fuller sound. The attention to the dynamic buildup is highly appreciated! They are able to keep the sound soft and intimate in the verses, so the chorus can be that much more impactful. The intense rhythmic drive and the sick guitar solo are also added bonuses.
The last turning point for the album creates a more intimate and relatable atmosphere. Their songs “Give” and “Get Out” both have themes and situations that a lot of everyday people can relate to. There are themes that we struggle with on a daily basis, and I think they really took the time to make their song as genuine as possible.
“You Be The Fool” is probably the most laid back song of the album. But the intensity is just as present. Closing out the album is “Evil People Pt 1.” This song is best described as a solid culmination of all of the previous songs wrapped up in the best present possible. It highlighted all of their strengths, and really showcased the influences they have in so many different genres.
Connect with Datura4
Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Pandora | iTunes | Google Play
