Rough Edge: Dali's Llama CD Reviews

DALI'S LLAMA

"Howl Do You Do?" (Dali's Llama; 2010)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Prodigiously prolific desert rock hermits Dali’s Llama poke their heads out of the sand dunes long enough to deliver their tenth offering, the 10-track "Howl Do You Do?"

Adorned with a playfulness not found on prior releases, this collective’s newfound attitude begins with the album and song titles (“You Can Be My Zoo,” “Flustrated”) and spills over into the predominant swirls of garage rock organ, extended trippy jams and not so subtle Cramps-esque psychobilly influence (“I’m the Trouble”) that has seeped its way into the accustomed sludge-ridden mix you’d normally expect from Zach Huskey and company (“Plaid Rainbow”).

Seemingly cranked out as a distinct change of pace, this disc’s underlying sense of frivolity and freewheeling nature steers Dali’s Llama’s music into a realm where nothing but just wanting to kick out the jams matters.

For more information, check out http://www.dalisllamarecords.com.

"Raw is Real" (Dali's Llama; 2009)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Independent desert rock quartet Dali’s Llama make good in their quest for a heavier sound on their latest stoner rock smattering, "Raw is Real."

This unit’s eighth self-released offering features ex-Kyuss bassist and desert rock guru Scott Reeder behind the board once again, resulting in a sharper yet discernibly more snarling presentation of this brazen squad’s amalgamation of unadulterated attitude, swampy smoothness, galactic guitar missions, and robust rhythm section phrasings.

Thanks to a gruffer vocal showing and a deliberate array of darker riffs and melodies coming to the surface (“Grump,” “Raw is Real,” “Eve’s Navel”), this 10-track endeavor’s accentuated air of aggression champions a rash of noticeably heftier tones yet Dali’s Llama’s staple set of hypnotic groove goodness, free-form jam sensibilities and syrupy sweetness (“Always,” “Fluids”) remain intact, fortifying this band’s viscous and visceral foundation while rounding out arguably the most well-crafted album this genuinely passionate act has released thus far.

For more information, check out http://www.dalisllamarecords.com.

"Full on Dunes" (Dali's Llama; 2008)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Zach Huskey and Dali's Llama are a tad heavier this time around judging by the voluminous "Full On Dunes."

Once again boasting special guest appearances (this time featuring the likes of Mario Lalli and album producer Scott Reeder), this nine-track excursion drives harder than previous releases, as cuts like the fun and fuzzy "Full On" rocks and "Smoke Tree" rips through the speakers with Alice In Chains-esque intensity while "Floating" exhibits this trio's ability to launch itself deep out of the orbit.

As much as this batch of tunes bite, the overall feel of this disc also resonates with the looseness of old friends playing around the campfire, most noticeably on cuts like "Cheap and Portable." Acting as a sidebar to Desert Sessions of sorts while functioning as a full-time project, Dali's Llama provides an outlet for worshippers of the movement to get their kicks.

For more information, check out http://www.dalisllamarecords.com.

"Sweet Sludge" (Dali's Llama; 2007)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

From the desert with love comes the melodic fuzz rock of Dali's Llama, a trio which boasts the production of Scott Reeder (Kyuss, The Obsessed).

Deliberate beats that emit a near-tribal feel intertwine with demonic riffs that dually conjure up punk rock fury and stoner rock freedom while the vocals channel Layne Staley on a mushroom high all over this swampy 10-track affair, enough to leave you sticky with delight for weeks on end thanks to cuts like "Creosote" and "Earth Mother Spin."

Adorned with a psychedelic twist that helps envelope the listener, the overall wicked atmosphere this simple (on the surface) release throws out produces the kind of sturdy riffs suitable for smokeouts ("Micro Giant," "Age of Myth") as well as a whole lotta underground rock whose haunting melodies and gritty delivery stand out as prime reasons to pick this disc up and give it a spin on a long, lonesome drive.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/dalisllama.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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