Galactopus is the first full-length album from Sacramento, USA-based band Arson Whales, a delightfully-named group who have just caught my attention.

By Graeme Smith

Galactopus is an eleven track collection that not only introduces us to Arson Whales, but also to another psychedelic world. It starts with the lively pace of Monkey Jar. The Arson Whales sound combines psych rock elements with electronica, all brought to life with poetic, surreal lyrics. It’s a very exciting start.

Upside Down gives us soaring rock with pleading vocals while Gray Dorian feels epic with booming drums and looping layers. Reverse The Rule is bright and breezy with some pleasing guitar licks. Zephyr & Sycophant bounces along with a wonderful mix of funk and melancholia. It’s a highlight.

Spirit In A Wormhole sits at the heart of the album with a cosmic groove. Finding Betsy Dar takes us into classic rock and roll territory, with a sci-fi twist, of course. This Chimera is an atmospheric, uplifting moment. Sonic Eclipse gives us something moody and bluesy while Whales Fall is rich with percussive textures and dreamy, echoing guitar. Blackhole closes the album with an up-tempo indie rock number that wouldn’t feel out of place during the genre’s ’90s heyday.

Arson Whales are a bit of a enigma but what isn’t in any doubt is how irresistible this first full-length collection is. There’s a wonderful diversity in its eleven-tracks but they’re held together by the band’s unique brand of psychedelic rock. I can easily see Galactopus ending up a cult success as it introduces more and more of us to their trippy world.

You can check out Galactopus on Spotify below.