Portuguese heavy rock four-piece Places Around The Sun release album three this summer. The self-titled effort spreads their eclectic sound further across the globe into new and familiar ears with a mixed caldron of Urge Overkill and Opeth featuring ‘70s psychedelic sludge with a bit of ‘60s hippie trippin’.
They released debut Still Here in 2016, producing sophomore serving Pluto in 2018 from their home studio resulting in a heavier, more experimental vibe. Vocalist, guitarist António Santos, guitarist João Gomes, bassist Alexandre Sousa and drummer Ricardo Martins now offer part three of their ongoing musical story.
The winds howl on intro giving off an old school western feel like a lone outlaw walking through a desolated ghost town with dust and tumbleweed violently wisping memories through the air.
“Lost I am Found” is grungy with psychedelic vibes, channeling sounds and shadows from the ‘60s and ‘70s. ‘”The Wanted One” reeks of a snazzy, jazzy face to face waltz groove.
“Bury It” is a trippy dance with echo-guitars, sounding like shadows jumping in the darkness out of safe, secluded corners while “Chasing Tails” is proggy with a bit of a thrash bite.
“Embracer,” is a slower methodical dance of drums and guitars hand in hand, strings and sticks. “Down the Road” gives a bayou hug with a full jug in hand while “Eight” is the slow down, end of the road breather, like audio-exhaled smoke.
Places Around The Sun’s third piece can be interpreted like an audio desert mirage, no acid or peyote needed.
