SURYA

'Surya' is QUEEN ELEPHANTINE's first full album. The band started in Hong Kong but is situated in New York City in the meanwhile. Guitarist Indrayudh Shome represents the main constant of the group. The songs have a heavy psych origin and as for the characteristic expression they are also featuring a special hypnotic mood based on doom and stoner rock leanings.

Repetitive sitar tones are serving a slight asian background for the opener Queen Elephantine over the course of time. But really striking is the looped deep bass line, nearly threatening and reminding of BLACK SABBATH. This is acccompanied by some restrained drum activities - a really interesting and impressing start. Ramesses II is the ultimate slow-tempo doomer provided with somewhat other-worldly vocals. The song is trudging, only interrupted by some short episodes where the band is getting speed a little bit.

Kabir and Plasma Thaw are appearing in a more classic psychedelic vein with a strong stoner rock attitude. I'm wondering why they called their epic song Bison. Normally bisons are clumsy when grazing - and it's true - when listening to the song you might imagine thé gradual flow of a herd because the band provides monotonous slow-tempo jamming with little variations considering the length of more than 26 minutes. Not a lack of inspiration here - this exactly expresses the band's approach to make music I'm sure.

Although I'm not a fan of doom oriented music I can state that this album is well done. That's the main reason for the conclusion to give 3 stars. Lovers of heavy psych music with stoner rock and doom leanings should keep an eye on QUEEN ELEPHANTINE.