VISTA CHINO - Peace
August 28, 2013, 11 years ago
(Napalm Records)
VISTA CHINO is the newest project from the “other three” founding members of KYUSS (one of the reigning progenitors of stoner metal), drummer Brant Bjork, vocalist John Garcia and on-and-off again bassist Nick Oliveri. Of course, the other former Kyuss member, Josh Homme, is in QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. On their debut album, Peace, the former Kyuss vox-man and rhythm section, along with guitarist Bruno Fevery, have managed to create something quite impressive, yet quite different from the trio’s other projects. Vista Chino has the uncanny ability to combine the best parts of their former band with early-era BLACK SABBATH, ’70s psychedelic/space rock and modern day sludge/stoner rock influences such as CLUTCH and BARONESS into one, free-flowing package. Most of the ten tracks have a familiar sound and similarities to the members’ former band will unavoidably pop up. However, the band also does some of its own exploring, most notably on the long, two-part CD closer, ‘Acidize-The Gambling Moose’ and ‘Barcelonian.’ The latter track is a groovy laid-back piece, breezy and cool with a snappy drum beat and rhythm while Garcia’s vocals are delivered with Chris Cornell-like proportions. Peace is an entertaining ride full of feeling and emotion, captured with a fuzzy, psychedelic desert vibe.
