EARTHLESS - Black Heaven (CD)

2018 release. Earthless has a surprise for you. Whereas the bandÆs three previous albums featured anywhere from two to four completely instrumental space rock jams, the California trioÆs fourth album, Black Heaven, is nothing like that. ôItÆs quite different,ö drummer Mario Rubalcaba says with a laugh. ôIt has six songs, and most importantly it has vocals on about 70 percent of the record. There goes being pigeonholed as an instrumental band, I guessàö Black Heaven takes on a more classic rock hue than previous outings. ôFor me personally, the psychedelic thing is pretty important,ö Rubalcaba offers. ôBut IÆm not sure if weÆll always be on the crazier side of things musically. Even on this record, there are moments when itÆs more psyched-out, but weÆve always been really big fans of classic rock stuff like ZZ Top, James Gang, Allman Brothers - and of course, Cream. There would be no Earthless if it wasnÆt for CREAM. TheyÆre like the great-grandfathers of power trios. So, some of those simpler influences have leaked through on this record. To me, [album opener] 'Gifted By The Wind' has a more JAMES GANG or ZZ TOP vibe than Flower TravellinÆ Band or any of the krautrock stuff. With all the vocals and harmonies, thatÆs definitely a different direction for us.ö