Monday, November 11, 2024

The Sunday Shamans’ ‘Highest Vibrational Choice’ Takes Psychedelia to New Heights

With their third EP ‘Highest Vibrational Choice’ The Sunday Shamans - Tambourine Tom and Lucid L, joined by lead guitarist Don Mullaghy and drummer Georgia Ayew — take listeners on a psychedelic journey through sound and spirit. 

This London-based band channels some serious 60’s vibes with a modern, introspective twist. Recorded and mixed over two cosmic days by Ian Hansen at The Bookhouse Studios in East London, this EP is a short but punchy exploration of consciousness, fear, unity, and, ultimately, transcendence.

The EP opens with ‘As the Sun Comes Up’ a track that radiates warmth and optimism, like morning light piercing through heavy clouds. The song starts with a delicate shimmer, as layers of gentle guitar riffs swell alongside Tom’s tambourine, building anticipation. Mullaghy’s guitar work shines here—languid, and dreamy, but with enough bite to give the song a forward momentum. Lucid L’s vocals are calm yet commanding, guiding listeners into the day’s awakening energy. It’s a soulful start, evoking subtle spiritual undertones woven into the vocals. ‘As the Sun Comes Up’ feels like a sunrise ceremony, beckoning listeners to join in.

Track two, ‘We Are One’, picks up where the opening left off, blending ethereal synths with a driving beat that Ayew masterfully controls. The song is upbeat and catchy without losing its otherworldly quality. The vocals centre on unity and universal love, perfect for a crowd swaying in harmony at a festival with good vibes. The Sunday Shamans add their own quirky touches, like a bridge that dissolves into a kaleidoscopic instrumental jam. By the end of ‘We Are One’ it’s impossible not to feel a sense of oneness with the music and, for a fleeting moment, maybe even with the whole universe.

The penultimate track ‘Push Away the Fear’ dives deep into introspective territory. Here, the vocals take on a darker, more intense quality as he encourages listeners to confront their inner anxieties. Don’s guitar plays a haunting melody while the tambourine punctuates the beat, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and tension. At times, it feels almost like a psychedelic therapy session, with music and vocals working together to guide listeners through an emotional journey. The layers of reverb and echo add to the song's hypnotic, almost therapeutic effect, giving it an almost Tame Impala-like, introspective vibe.

'Highest Vibrational Choice’ wraps up with its almost-title track ‘Highest Vibration’ -  a soaring, celebratory anthem that brings everything full circle. It’s the perfect closer, with upbeat drums and a contagious, joyful energy. The guitar riffs are bolder here, while the vocals stretch to new heights, giving a sense of release. ‘Highest Vibration’ feels like a musical ascension, with each verse adding layers of sound and emotion. The Sunday Shamans let loose, ending with a beautiful, chaotic burst of sound that feels as if it could go on forever, drifting into infinity.

‘Highest Vibrational Choice’ is a stellar EP that combines the best of vintage psychedelia with a fresh, modern outlook. The Sunday Shamans have created a soundscape that’s both introspective and celebratory—a perfect antidote to turbulent times. 

For those looking to raise their vibration and lose themselves in good vibes, this EP is a journey worth taking.


Danielle Holian

@danielleholian_

Image: ‘Highest Vibrational Choice’ Official EP Cover




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