Modey Lemon – Season of Sweets

First of all it is criminal why Modey Lemon aren't huge! Their punk infused drug fuelled garage rock should be pumping through all our ears. But rather than just thrashing it out three chord style, throwing in a lick here and there, this band take a much more considered approach. Yes they play loud, and their tunes fucking rock big time, but they are far more adventurous than your average "garage" band.I saw them back on the "Thunder and Lightning" tour. They were loud. No bass player in the traditional sense, just two guitarists (one on the synths when required) and a drummer who could pummel the skins like a rhino! They filled the venue with narcissistic rock stompers. From that moment on Modey Lemon became one of my favourite bands, a band full of attitude and atmosphere, packed with energy.Seasons of Sweets is Modeys fourth album. Building on their classic stoner rock Hendrix-meets-Jon Spencer groove, nurtured on 2005's The Curious City, the guys have nailed it, yet again. Another reason why they stand apart from most. An indelible and irresistible groove runs through their music, like on opening number 'The Bear Comes Back Down the Mtn', their trademark classic rock tinged guitar riffery leading the way. However there is a pervading sense of darkness and mystery that comes through, like on the mantra style 'Sacred Place', which I swear has put a curse on meBut it's the bands sonic environment that sets them apart. The psychedelic elements give their music so many colours, like on the aforementioned 'Sacred Place' and album closer 'Live Like Kids'. The moods can change and the pace will suddenly flip and send you somewhere else, but never deterring from the rhythmic groove that they have become masters of. The production is very raw and low-fi which is what gives the record its character and the sound its sonic muscle. There is a huge weight and unstoppable momentum behind every one of their songs, and it sounds like it was recorded back in the heyday of the classic rock era.These guys are sorcerers and they can throw their fingers up and down a fret board no problem, check out 'Milk Moustache'. It just gets better and better, one of those records where you're rewarded with every listen. They can effortlessly thrash out the hooky stoner rock hits but they really etch themselves in your mind through the bordering-on-wig-out trippy jams, listen to Ice Fields.I can't say enough great things about this band. Everything just comes together in a way that sounds nothing short of brilliance. And to truly get this band you have to see them live. I advise you do that. But get this record first! 90%Links Modey Lemon [official site] [myspace]