Souvenir's Young America - An Ocean Without Water
[Crucial Blast]

Riding in on a massive Kyuss style bass rumble, Souvenir’s Young America create and instrumental desert rock sound that is near devastating at times. Their second album, “An Ocean Without Water” capitalizes on the promise shown on the recent 12” vinyl stop-gap “September Songs” (read the review).

A band not afraid to experiment, SYA add laser-edged synths, electronics, psychedelic ambience and distant harmonica within the album’s earthy production. It’s a beguiling mix that sees them construct sounds from the thundering opener “Mars Ascendant” through to the skewed psychedelia of “Coragyps Atratus (Ego To Absolvo).

The outstanding “Sheltering Sky” should surely come with a health warning. Not since “Sky Valley” era Kyuss have we heard a gargantuan groove like this. Amassing a sound that resembles a titanic foghorn, “Sheltering Sky” reaches a level that could just about cauterize your arteries.

Only, the spaghetti western on bad LSD trip sounds of “Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground” fails to leave a distinct impression. But this trio can be forgiven for such lapses as “Blood Alone Does Not A Father Make” shows; they can weave between deliciously heavy desert rock and tranquil psychedelia at the blink of the eye.

An album that reveals many hidden depths with repeated plays, there’s no point in dipping in and out with “An Ocean...” Brew some coffee, grab some beers, or do whatever it is you do. Just ensure, your door is closed, the lights are out and the headphones are in. Immerse yourself in the sonic sounds of Souvenir’s Young America.

An Ocean Without Water Track Listing:

1. Mars Ascendent
2. Blood Alone Does Not A Father Make
3. Dark Was The Night Cold Was The Ground
4. The Sheltering Sky
5. Invocation In The Caldera
6. Coragyps Atratus (Ego To Absolvo)