Michigan-based stoner rock outfit Blue Snaggletooth's sophomore album, Beyond Thule is a romping, quality stoner rock album. Named after an obscure character in the Star Wars universe, Blue Snaggletooth call their music “Psychedelic D&D; Rock & Roll.” On its nine hard-charging tracks, the sound doesn’t stray too far from the stoner rock formula, but it will most likely appeal to stoners, metalheads and rockers alike. The songs are fused with lyrics that meld sci-fi and fantasy with a psychedelic vibe. Possessing a mid-paced, old-school rock ‘n’ roll swagger, CD-opener “Reptiles” swings out of the gates. It proves to be a real head-bobbing rocker. “Gawkers” sports a doomy, wicked riff worthy of Sabbathian praise. “Sleeping Mountain”’s hard rock and classic boogie/groove flavor is combined with a catchy as hell chorus. The melodic vocal harmonies gloriously soar come chorus time and Chris Taylor’s slightly nasally vocal delivery sounds a bit like Ozzy Osbourne. “Ahamkara” is a seven-plus minute Sabbath-esque track boasting a funky wah-wah riff with a bouncy rhythm section. A psychedelic Hawkwind-like moment happens at the 2:39 mark, which is decorated with healthy feedback and spacey effects.

Proto-metal elements from bands such as Dust, with their fuzzy tones and explosive rhythm section, pop up often, possessing an authentic and vintage, ’70s rock vibe. Hints of Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age and Pentagram are also evident, but Blue Snaggletooth manages to craft their own interpretation on the genre. As a bonus, the hand drawn/inked cover art work by Jeremy Wheeler is incredible. The amount of passion, detail and patience Wheeler has displayed is well worth seeking out Beyond Thule on limited edition vinyl. At 38 minutes in duration, Beyond Thule is the right amount for an album of this magnitude. Blue Snaggletooth is one of the best new stoner rock acts who are plying their trade at this tried and true genre.