Quick Access

Review / Favorite Track / For Fans Of / Atmosphere Levels / Links (Music & Social)

Retro Hard-Rock Done Right !

The three-piece retro rockers from Texas that go by the name of Crypt Trip released a three song EP that is a worthy follow-up of their full-length debut that was released in 2014. On this EP you’ll hear the very talented members of the trio, Sam (Bass), Cam (Drums) and Ryan (Guitar, Vocals) play an equally important role to create that groovy, retro hard-rock sound you’ll love.

How is the sound?

Up-tempo distorted bass lines, a groovy drum track and retro guitar riffs soaked in wah set the scene in the first track ‘Natural Chylde‘. The song goes through a few cycles of funky wah chord progressions before the clean, bluesy vocals complete the sound. Although vocals of Ryan are strong and unquestionably have common ground with 70’s bands like Sabbath and Deep Purple, you won’t get to enjoy them for long. The rest of the track mostly consists of a long and excellent jam where Ryan doesn’t take the time to focus on his microphone again. Instead, the listener is treated with a strong groove executed by the rhythm section over which the guitarist can concentrate on producing a steady and virtuous stream of guitar licks. Every Heavy-Psych lover won’t find this a reason to complain and will happily surrender to the psychedelic jam.

After Ryan has had plenty of time to show off his mentionable guitar skills, Cam has the floor in the intro of the second song ‘Tears of Gaia‘ and starts with an epic drum solo. They continue the trail they set out in the first song but with a more high-energy stoner riff . You’ll get introduced with the vocals again that are of much more importance in this song. The lyrics have a mystical, occult theme that fits wonderfully in the retro vibe.

In “Mabon Song“, the last track of the album, they present an entirely different sound. A fragile acoustic guitar plays a calming finger-picking pattern with a heavily altered electric guitar overlay. The short, beautifully played, hypnotizing track shows the other side of the band and is a welcome change. Overall, Mabon Songs is a solid EP of which the short length is the biggest negative remark I can think of.

Why is this album worth listening to?

These guys know what their doing. You can hear Mabon Songs is the work of three virtuous musicians.

It takes you back to the great years of the 60’s and 70’s hard-rock scene, but with a modern twist.

In what situation you should listen to this album?

Road tripping a van across the globe.

Something particular to note?

Definitely excited to hear another full-length album of this band. Mabon Songs is a treat, but our appetite for new Crypt Trip material isn’t appeased yet.