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San Pedro's Vision are an up and coming five strong psych-rock band hailing from in and around Liverpool. In their own words.... "This 5-piece band uses many elements with combinations of bouncy bass lines, synth sounds and wah guitars going into long drawn-out compelling instrumental bridges. Inspired by psychedelic sounds from the 60s/70s and contemporary artists. San Pedro’s Vision are galvanising the echoes of bands such as The Grateful Dead, Tame Impala, Cream, Pink Floyd and The Myrrors." Their words certainly make an interesting read, but can they follow up on the self-hype and produce music to wow?
San Pedro's Vision reached out recently to me on the run up to the release of their EP Twilight of the Elephant Gods to see if I would review the same and give my opinion on their upcoming offering. I jumped at the chance obviously and delved into their EP consisting of three songs.
First song I checked out was Lonley Tales, which from the start introduces you to a trippy, floaty sounding guitar riff, but just like a dream gone bad the song develops into a more raw sounding guitar and drums accompanied with shouted, strong vocals full of echo and menace. Throughout the song well-played guitar riffs reminiscent of Pink Floyd and a softly-played organ break up the song enough to ensure the song never feels repetitive. Overall, it's a great track which grips you from the start and doesn't let go and leaves you wanting more.
Next up, Tuska. Woah! This song comes in full throttle from the outset, with a sound and style, which sounds amazing. Raw guitar and warbly organ. I get the same vibe I had when listening to the second coming of the 60's summer of love when it was in full force during the 90's - think on the lines of The Seahorses, Stone Roses, Brian Jonestown Massacre but with hint of The Dandy Wahols's more lighter rock sound. The song then takes on a darker malevolent tone as it progressing while keeping the expertly played guitar and organ. This song from the intro to end is my favourite so far. It showcase their tight performance, dexterity and ability to change tempo and tone with ease.
You Don't Know My Mind takes a different tone then those that preceded it with a more of a blues vibe, which was San Pedro's genre of choice when starting out and finding themselves and their sound. While the blues sound is evident the raw guitar riffs , organ sound, beating drums and vocals throughout make it more of a psych-rock/blues hybrid. Further cementing their diversity this song is reminiscent of The Doors... if the doors had more drugs and booze. The breaks throughout with expertly sung vocals ensure this song, like the rest doesn't become stale and repetitive.
San Pedro's Vision have knocked the ball out of the park and into the stratosphere. I may be biased as this sound is my sound, the whole fusion of expertly played drums, lead and bass, the organ and vocals make for a great sound overall. Their songs when released will be in my playlist and I urge you all to check it out if you get a chance to.
Twilight of the Elephant Gods is officially released on 14th June coinciding with them headlining our event at Phase One Liverpool with support from KEZ, Callow Youth and The Lutras. I for one can't wait to witness their live performance and how they manage to bring the recorded sound to a live audience. Tickets are still available at £5 from our events page or from the bands involved. Then its £6 on the door/on the night. See you there.
Follow the band to download their upcoming EP, to find out more of them and their upcoming gigs below: