Alunah – Fever Dream
Alunah – Fever Dream
Heavy Psych Sounds
Release date: 20/09/2024
Running time: 40 mins approx
Review by: Alun Jones
9/10
Hailing from the Home of Metal – that’s Birmingham, UK, but you knew that of course – Alunah are back with another album of hard rockin’ goodness. “Fever Dream” is a great next step as the band stride confidently out with this new long player, released by the one and only Heavy Psych Sounds. I mean, what do they put in the water in the Midlands to create all these quality bands?!
The four piece, consisting of Sian Greenaway (Vocals), Matt Noble (guitar), Daniel Birchmore (bass) and Jake Mason (drums) have a wealth of musical ideas and experience. Here, they’ve outgrown their Stoner label and added a soulful, yet still retro groove laced with folky Occult Rock.
‘Never Too Late’ wields a catchy, blues rock riff from Noble that recalls Sabbath’s bouncier numbers. Followed by ‘Trickster of Time’, this track takes Clutch-like power on a progressive journey that incorporates a strikingly wonderful flute and lead guitar dual solo. The band’s doomier style comes to the fore on ‘Sacred Grooves’, a moodier song with the rhythm section of Birchmore and Mason keeping everything in control.
Sian Greenaway’s vocals are magnificent throughout, whether belting out an early 70s style rocker like ‘The Odyssey’ or the bluesy title track. But it’s the full band that shines on all songs, as they work together and explore the compositions, taking them in unexpected directions. See final song ‘I’ve Paid the Price’ for evidence, where all the members excel as they explore the bouncy riff and grand melody.
A damn fine album from first play, “Fever Dream” has improved even further on several repeat listens. That’s because Alunah have created something that’s multi-faceted and multi-textured: not just a homage to the classic rock of the past, but a showcase for their own talents. Unmissable!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Never Too Late
02. Trickster Of Time
03. Fever Dream
04. Hazy Jane
05. Sacred Grooves
06. Celestial
07. The Odyssey
08. Far From Reality
09. I’ve Paid The Price
LINE-UP:
Siân Greenaway – Vocals
Matt Noble – Guitar
Dan Burchmore – Bass
Jake Mason – Drums
LINKS: