New twists and turns; the closing of some doors and the opening of others. A set from Alunah that signifies perseverance, endurance and hope.

Release Date: 20th September 2024

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

Format: digital / CD / vinyl

Having been totally impressed by Alunah’s 2022 album, Strange Machine there’s a noticeable shift to a more raucous and unfiltered atmosphere on fever Dream. The band’s third album on Heavy Psych Sounds sees the final set with the ‘post-pandemic’ lineup. Singer Siân Greenaway is calling time yet Fever Dream is a fitting farewell – “A record that signifies everything Alunah stands for along with some new twists and turns,” they say. “A record that signifies a closing of some doors and the opening of others. A record that signifies perseverance, endurance, hope and most importantly ROCK.“

The instrumental powerhouse of Matt Noble, Dan Burchmore and Jake Mason provide the Bluesy Doom on opening track Never Too Late. A raw, driving and typical Alunah timebomb, the scene is set for an all encompassing trip into the weird and wonderful world of Alunah.

It’s a trip that finds Siân haunting her way through Trickster Of Time; hefty Hard Rock riffs making way for psychedelic escapism. The burst of flute, not for the only time, adds a pastoral glint and inevitable nod to some of the great flute rock outfits over the years. Keeping the faith, Alunah may have an uncertain destiny, yet their legacy adds a contemporary light on a classic formula.

The title track lies in occult folk territory and a real sonic throwback and Sacred Grooves has already been highlighted elsewhere for its devotion to the leaden and hypnotic. Eastern soundscapes cascade from a dense wall of distorted sound that emerges from the clean mid song guitar part that provide a sharp contrast with the initial lighter air in the instrumental Celestial. Knowing the penchant for the unsuspected, you could hardly call the bluesy solo and thick riff that soon follow, a surprise.

It’s a brief interlude that paves the way for a high octane finish. The Odyssey, an ode to the traveller – “a long and lonely journey” – ensconced in a grungey riff and a hypnotic and entrancing vocal. Far From Reality sees the funky side of Alunah surface as both pieces highlight the album’s ability to surprise and deliver in equal measure throughout the sequence of its nine tracks. 

Here’s far From Reality:

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