The Myrrors: Solar Collector Review

In the past couple of days Arizona-based psych-desert rock band, The Myrrors, have put up the tracks from their latest release, Solar Collector, up on their bandcamp page. Originally only available to those who bought the limited-edition cassette, the band has now kindly enough put up digital versions of the songs so all fans of the band have a chance to hear the new Myrrors' exploits.

Recorded in Tuscon directly to tape, this latest release captures a more natural, and live element, of The Myrrors performing ability. But, don't be mistaken, this latest EP of sorts, retains all the original charm and brilliance of the band's prior releases. Still ever present are the lazy bass grooves, mellow drum beats and searing guitar lead, this is the unmistakable sound of the The Myrrors. 

When we interviewed the band's guitarist, Nik Rayne in August last year, he claimed the Solar Collector tape would not only better reflect the band's true live sound, but would also act as an 'unpolished Kodachrome of that new stage in our evolution as a band', bridging the gap between the band's second, long-awaited album.

Described as 'three raw jams' which show the band 'stripped back to its essentials', the Solar Collector tape is a welcome surprise for all fans, whom have been waiting patiently for a new full-length from the band. Each track is perfectly mellow and strung-out, not rushing to reach any conclusions and instead, deliberately taking the longest route possible. 

Ascensión- 7:52

When selected, the album plays the second track on the EP first, Ascension, whether this be for artistic reasons or just an glitch in the system is unclear. What is clear though is that this is yet another golden piece from the Myrrors. Opening with an organ track which screams the influences of Terry Riley (a performer whom the band recently featured on their Facebook page), and with fluid cymbal crashes reminiscent of The Doors, John Densmore, from a track such as 'The End', the track is cut in two by the first few notes from Rayne's guitar, which is later followed by a backing of shimmering, Farsifa-esque organ chords. Shut your eyes and you can feel yourself slowly cruising down Route 66, dusty landscapes recreated in sound on either side, and the sun blinding yet, beautiful, gently laying down over your entire body.

Whirling Mountain Blues- 14:35

Opening with a fuzz-ridden, bassline it may be easy to mistake this track for an early Wooden Shjips song, such as 'We Ask You To Ride'. However, once again Rayne's Grestch bursts onto the sonic scene, this time the temperance of his playing noticeably more aggressive, ripping apart the bassist's created soundscape, with the accompaniment of the acid-rock beat in the background. 

Solar Collector- 7:00

The album closes with its own namesake's track, this cut more progressive than the previous tracks on the EP, similar to fellow neo-psychedelists, Naam. Slow and plotting, this track builds up in tempo and attack as it progresses. Slow and evocative in the beginning, this is a track which causes the listener to slow down and listen with the track, not allowing you to get too far ahead of it. 

As previously mentioned, the free-release of this new Myrrors' EP is truly a gift from the band, and will satisfy my own appetite whilst we wait for the release of the band's second full-length. Whoever you are, taking a half-hour out of your day to sit down and listen to this new cut will not disappoint, it being a perfect EP to relax to and surely not one to regret hearing after a long day. 

Critics Comment:  A perfect record to space out to, Solar Collector shows what the Myrrors can accomplish even when they aren't attempting to amaze. If the evolution of the band's sound demonstrated in this album is anything for fans and critics alike to go by, the anticipation for the second Myrrors LP release should be even greater...

Buy a copy of the limited-edition, Solar Collector cassette here: http://themyrrors.bandcamp.com/music