YAWNING BALCH
"Volume Four" (Heavy
Psych Sounds; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Some will tell you that music is an escape; that it's a chance to get away from the hardships of reality (at least for a little while), to reset your mind, to relax and re-group, to take a short audio vacation from the real world. I believe that is true. Music, especially rock'n'roll, should cleanly separate work from fun and occupation from home life. Our favorite music does that for us. What's the best thing you can do after a long day at work, as you get into your car (or bus, or subway or whatever) to begin the wind down? Plug a pair of ear buds in, tune up your favorite band (I don't care whether it's Poison or Slayer) and turn up the volume.
You know that feeling.
But then there's the other kind of musical escape, and that's with bands like Yawning Balch and their album, "Volume Four" (hell, and Volumes 1 through 3, for that matter). These recordings don't merely help you escape from harsh reality, they take you someplace, they transport you to another world, allow your mind to explore (with apologies to Star Trek) strange, new worlds and take you on an imaginative journey that not only brings that necessary relaxation but opens a door that leads you through one kind of world and into another.
On "Volume 4," Yawning Balch uses psychedelic guitars, epic drums, and sweeping soundscapes to take you on two extended journeys. The first, "Pyramid of Djozer," runs almost 23 minutes; the second (and last), "Water Journal," runs almost 22. Both are evenly-paced, mind-expanding cascades of world-building musical magic, the kind of music that puts your imagination to work. To build another universe along with the band. It's calming, introspective stuff.
And, look, I know it's not for everyone. Some people just want the hits, want songs that last just over three minutes and allow them to pump their fists in the air or band their heads against the wall. And there's nothing to sing a long to here. There's nary a vocal to be found. So I get it. This music may not be for you. But, if you're feeling creative, or just want to take a quick 45-minute trip to another world, then you should check out Yawning Balch's "Volume 4." It's a journey I'm glad that I took and am looking forward to re-visiting soon.
For more information, check out https://heavypsychsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/yawning-balch-volume-four.
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.
| Our writers choose
which products we review on RoughEdge.com, and we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our website. Thanks, by the way! |
Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
