Kentucky Green – ‘Galactic Acid’: Dynamic and full of melody!
Kentucky Green have presented an authentic Stoner Rock record! The album titled ‘Galactic Acid’ will take you on a trip to the Australian deserts! With their name containing the region of Kentucky, Kentucky Green actually come from much further away!
By Dimitris (Bari) Polyzois
The band from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, presented their debut album, titled ‘Galactic Acid’. The record is proof that quality stoner has no fixed country of origin!
A combination of Stoner and Doom Prog
The rock trio was formed in 2019 and their music is a mix of atmospheric Stoner and Doom, with Progressive elements. Influenced by bands like Kyuss, Sleep, Mountain, Rush, King Crimson and, of course, Black Sabbath, they create a unique sound. These ‘Australians’ may be dealing with a style born in the American South, but they prove to us that they know how to handle it flawlessly! Together with them, you'll take a trip through the galaxy of the Australian Outback.
On the Music
The sound of ‘Galactic Acid’ is absolutely authentic. Following the principles set by Kyuss, it has the haze that characterizes the style. The melodies are generally quite fuzzy and have plenty of heft. On the other hand, the content of the music of Kentucky Green has considerable depth. It offers multiple riffs, each of which could stand on its own. The tracks are in no way rambling or empty. Every change that happens has a foundation, every melody has substance. This makes the tracks hit home with our emotions.
Rhythm-wise, the tracks are fairly straight. However, there are quite a few shifts that set them apart from others in the genre. If there's one thing I'd want a bit different, it would be the position of the bass in the mix. Guitar, drums and vocals come through crystal clear. The bass seems a bit further ‘back’. This is more noticeable when the guitar plays lead parts, where the track seems to thin out in the background. In those particular spots I'd want the bass to sit ‘higher’ in the mix.
Of course, this is quite possibly one of the things the band wants to emphasize for the listener. The music of Kentucky Green is built on simplicity as its foundation. At the same time, it's very important for a record's sound to connect with what happens in live performances. Many bands create a complex mix with lots of channels and different instruments, which can't be reproduced live. So I believe that Kentucky want to give the sense of a record that can be played faithfully live.
Editor's Choice: ‘Earthworm’
One of the tracks that stands out from ‘Galactic Acid’ is ‘Earthworm’. This particular song has very interesting shifts in rhythm and very high-quality riffs. At the same time, the vocals follow a simple yet dynamic melodic line. Finally, sound-wise, this track has a bit of Sabbath in it!
In Conclusion
‘Galactic Acid’ is a record with outstanding riffs! It's proof that Stoner is something you need to feel, not simply something you inherit from being from the American South. Kentucky Green with this record are placing their name alongside other big names of the genre, having earned that spot fair and square. I can't wait for the future works of these Australians! Until then, I wholeheartedly recommend this record to you. Enjoy it!
