Dazed

Motion To Rejoin
Brightblack Morning Light
Matador, 2008
3 stars

Could this album be any more chilled-out? This Californian duo have taken their unique brand of trippy, blues-infused stoner folk and, somehow, made it sound even more laid-back with this album. True hippies, Nathan ‘Nabob’ Shineywater and Rachael ‘Rabob’ Hughes recorded the album in the Mexican desert using only solar power, but they were clearly getting their energy from somewhere “higher’”. An arsenal of vintage instruments, including a Rhodes Piano and Silvertone guitar, and the duo’s slow, breathy chants give Brightblack their distinct sound – a sound that hasn’t changed much over the years (except slowed down), and doesn’t seem like it’s going to either. The thing is, though consistent, Motion to Rejoin isn’t half as engaging as their self-titled 2006 effort. It’s more like slow-pulsing, hypnotic background music than pop music. That said, it’s still enough to make you want to quit your desk job, grow your hair long and live in the bush under a sheet of corrugated iron.

Artwork: C
Like, woah man. Trippy. I think we need some more feathers and shit ... And while you're at it, get some Doritos.

Published in mX, Thursday December 11, 2008.