Farflung: Like Drones In Honey

Let us travel back to early ‘90s Los Angeles and the formation of Helianthus by Brandon LaBelle and Michael Esther. In 1994 the band changed their name to Farflung and as of 2022 the current lineup consisted of:

Michel Esther (guitars, synths, vocals)
Tommy Grenas (guitars, synths, lead vocals)
Paul Hischier (bass)
Chris Nakata (drums)

The disc begins with “Acid Rain� and its spacey synths and talking vocals. The fluid groove pulsates with ease and is soon decimated with growling vocals and intense guitar riffs. It is these moments of intensity followed by calmer motifs that give the track so much diversity. I even hear elements of ‘60s Floyd which is never a bad thing in my book. With “All Earthmen Look Alike To Me� the swishing synths and overall psychedelic trippiness mixed in with intense punk-like riffs remind me of the mighty Hawkwind, high praise indeed. Next is “King Fright� and is a bit of a different beast with its buzzing sounds, cavernous effects and bursts of moodiness leading into distorted riffs and a solidified punk rock attitude. I like the twists and turns, one is never completely sure where the music will take you. Into the cosmic of outer space or maybe the intensely dark vibes of the netherworld. Experimental in nature, “Tiny Cities Made Of Broken Teeth� begins with an otherworldly sound collage leading to a somewhat angular groove where unusual chord structures and haunting vocals settle in before searing riffs break out of the calmness. Add spacey effects and synths and you have quite the trippy excursion. A soothing and airy melody of synth and guitar begin “Dludgebmasterpode� where the sounds ebb and flow until the band breaks into a crazed Krautrock wildness where the guitar riffs will burn into your brain. The trippy “Baile An Doire� emits dark psychedelic overtones and freaky vocals and is another excellent ride into heady rock music.

Bottom line - if you dig yourself some space rock, this is a no brainer. Go out and get it. Easily recommended!

A Sulatron Records’ release.

Track Listing:
1. Acid Drain (5:14)
2. All Earthmen Look Alike To Me (6:17)
3. King Fright (5:38)
4. Tiny Cities Made Of Broken Teeth (7:03)
5. Dludgebmasterpode (8:36)
6. Baile An Doire (10:08)
7. Touch Of The Lemmings Kiss (1:59)
8. A Year In Japan (1:33)

Added: March 7th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: https://farflung.bandcamp.com/album/like-drone
Hits: 94
Language: english

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