With an opening track called Launch Sequence and an album cover depicting astronomer Copernicus, you know you are in for some interstellar, mind-altering experiences of galactic proportions when you press play this one. And that’s exactly what the Burning Brain Band from Ohio, USA delivers on their eponymous debut - a six-track offering of blues-drenched psychedelic hard rock that will take you through sprawling soundscapes. They are ethereal, yet frightening and melancholy; all at once. Swinging between Zeppelin-esque blues and Beatles-y hooks, the space rock of early (Pink) Floyd and Hawkwind, and the heavy psychedelia of Blue Cheer, they deliver it all with the down-tuned doom of (Black) Sabbath and Sleep.

Fuzzy samples usher in Launch Sequence, a hypnotic opener with a droning psychedelic vibe. Violins, guitar drones, and crashing cymbals all come together climactically, as if million light bulbs illume inside your brain at once. The second track Brain Food starts with a sinister phased effect on the guitar, before exploding into monster hard rock. This one has some great vocals, equally catchy hooks, and a killer chorus!

Bolero/Floating Away boasts of a very unconventional structure for a modern song. While the first part of the song is all about cinematic flourishes and moody atmosphere, the second part is a haunting ditty with an alternating melancholic/uplifting refrain that melts into a doomy outro. A mystic track that will keep playing in your head even after the music’s over.  

From samples and electronica to rock and blues riffs, they have combined old and new school influences well, injecting them with sheer volume, psychedelic effects, and bluster to keep things interesting.

Interlude is an industrial number loaded with curious instrumental, throbbing electronic samples and chaotic sounds played out over a rhythmic, fuzzed-out bass. In brilliant contrast, the next song, The Dreamer, may remind one of crackling campfires and Mexican nights and features brilliantly emotive guitar solos. The closing track, Parchman Farm is a traditional blues song rearranged by the band, featuring face-melting blues riffs and lengthy guitar jams.

These Burning Brainers are steeped in the tradition of great music where the heart and soul mattered. All six tracks are different from one another, and while paying homage to their heroes, their music remains original. From samples and electronica to rock and blues riffs, they have combined old and new school influences well, injecting them with sheer volume, psychedelic effects, and bluster to keep things interesting. In short, a great album. I’d love to watch them live, and definitely try out their future material. Standout tracks - Brain Food and Bolero/Floating Away. 

The writer is an opinionated geezer with love for music, beer, pot, art, tattoos, and explorations. He believes life wouldn't be the same without Led Zeppelin or the warmth of sunshine, people, and tube amps.