Album Review: The Lunar Effect - Sounds of Green & Blue

There’s no doubting that The Lunar Effect keep one foot firmly in the seventies. Their style is distinctly fuzzed up stoner riffage but there is more to consider in this sophomore release. A debut EP was followed by the first album Calm Before the Storm in 2019, and now they present nine tracks which vary in style and tempo, but all grab you in different ways. There’s a definite Sabbath wandering on opener Ocean Queen, which smoulders before exploding in a crunching cloud of big riffs, a stoner / psychedelic collision which results in a fat, thick sound. Instantly wooed by John Gosling’s enchanting vocals, it’s a drifting yet compelling start to an album that should appeal to all who worship the riff. I’ve read comparisons with Ozzy, but for me Gosling has a much wider range. There are hints of Rival Sons frontman Jay Buchannan and Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother) amongst a myriad of influences. It’s evident that the London outfit are honing their sound with hard work and gigging. Their socials are full of events that the band have played, and it’s evident in their sweet interplay which breaks through the riff smog they create. They play an easy style that shifts gears with a comfortable no-nonsense style. In Grey is case in point. A delicious drift that suddenly bursts into life with a sweet, Zeppelin feel to it’s crescendo (think Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You). 

There’s a Muse like approach to Middle of the End, with its cool keyboard introduction and overall swagger, whilst the psychedelic echo of Pulling Daisies throws us all in a different direction. It’s the changes in tempo and movement that make this far from your average riff-heavy stoner groove release. The whole band are on point, the music coming at you in short blasts, with only the final two songs longer than five minutes in length. They do save some of their best work until the end though, with the expansive Fear Before the Fall a masterful and dramatic unfolding piece of work. Whilst they don’t hide their influences in any way, there’s something endearing and contemporary about The Lunar Effect. Sounds of Green & Blue doesn’t over complicate but focuses on quality from start to finish. A sterling effort indeed.

Sounds of Blue & Green is released on 12th April on Svart Records. 

Review by Hutch.