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Blissful Psychedelic Experience...

How is the sound ?

Sungrazer was my first “real” Stoner Rock concert. It was in London @ The Bordeline, also with the mighty The Machine & Stubb. It blew my mind. All 3 bands. Since then I became a Fuzz Eater ! 🙂 So why talking about this particular concert ? Well, as you all may know Sungrazer decided to breakup in 2013… I don’t know you, but I was very, very sad to hear that. They were one of the leading Heavy Psych band in the scene, and inspired a lot of new ones, they created some of the most fascinating Heavy Psych songs ever released, and I’m sure a lot of you would agree with me.

So when I heard the news that Rutger (guitar) & Hans (drums) had a new project coming, I was so psyched about it ! This project, you guessed it, is today’s band : Cigale.

Cigale by Cigale

So let me tell you right now what I think of this album : It’s a blissful & refreshing experience, touching you deeply in the heart with sincere and delicate emotions, I love it as much as I love Sungrazer 😉

Cigale is of course composed of Rutger & Hans, but the 2 new faces that are Romy (vocals) & Roel (bass) are as much important as the 2 ex-Sungrazer in the band. You can see all 4 musicians are really connected together and created a unique sound of their own. The “Fat Level” won’t be high here, don’t expect a greasy fuzz, don’t expect burning riffs. It’s more in the “Purple Haze Level” that Cigale shines, it’ll even dazzle you !

Having said that, you’ll instantly recognize that Sungrazer vibe Rutger & Hans are bringing in the band. But I’m more talking about the trippier, the softer parts of Sungrazer. The ones that make your mind wandering into another dimension, where nothing will ever be able to hurt you…

Of course this kind of enchanting sound is partly done by the marvelous guitar skills of Rutger, using the delay pedal with perfection to create stunning spacey sounds ! Fuck ! This man really knows which notes to play to craft the perfect melodies that give you this little thrill in the spine ! And how can we talk about “skills” without talking about Hans drumming ones ! This man is a genius. When I saw him in London, I remember staring at him for long minutes, amazed by all those little drum fills and subtle psychedelic rhythm patterns. I’m happy he didn’t lose his very particular style with Cigale 😉

But enough praises for Rutger & Hans ! Let’s talk about what Romy & Roel add to this already magic atmosphere 😀 First let’s begin with the 2nd rhythmic member of the band, Roel and his delicate bass lines. Supporting wonderfully Hans drumming, he manages to add another layer to Cigale’s sound : the groove. Man ! This band has everything to be awesome ! But wait. I told you I was also going to talk about the last member. So here we go, I’ll finish this review with what makes this band truly awesome : Romy’s vocals. This woman really has a beautiful, graceful voice, that fits so well with this airy atmosphere. She’s showing you the way to take with your mind, and on the contrary of other female-fronted bands I reviewed, she’s not bewitching you to trap you ! No, with Romy, I’m following her everywhere she wants me to go, because I know it’ll be full of light & happiness…

A wonderful album I will never forget, an epic album that reminds you to be good to each other, and that the only thing that matters is love.

Why is this album worth listening ?

Rutger & Hans are playing again !

You’ll be able find again that pleasing Sungrazer vibe

But at the same time discover an entire new experience the whole band delivers

Only beautiful psychedelic songs full of emotions, each track is superb and will bring your mind into another state

In what situation you should listen to this album ?

When you feel down, when you want to quit this world and to only feel the positive aspects of life !

Something particular to note ?

I want this on wax !!!