Stalwarts of the modern 'psych' scene, California-based psychedelic-rock cult legends The Asteroid No.4 have never shied away from wearing their influences squarely on their sleeves. Originating from Philadelphia in the latter half of the 1990s, they took their early shoe gaze inspirations from Mazzy Star, Medicine, MBV, Spacemen 3 etc. But with 'Tones of the Sparrow', the band edge towards the more psychedelic side of the genre. Known for their rich, multi-textured guitars, reverb-drenched vocal harmonies and an unwavering rhythm section, 'Tones of the Sparrow' is their eleventh studio album and comes 25 years after the release of their debut. From the cosmic riffage of album opener 'Emma', to the chugging, psychedelic noise rumblings of album title track 'Tones of the Sparrow' and a shimmering new single 'Set You Sights', they tap into a sound that sound-tracked their youth. Elsewhere, there's a dark, intense aesthetic to the melancholic 'Chameleon' while 'Not Your Enemy' and 'Castle' meld '60s psychedelia and catchy dreampop before the deeply melodic 'Somewhere in the Middle' and ethereal 'Transmission' close an impressive collection of songs from one of the psych scenes' best loved bands.
