Do you like desert rock? Do you know Yawning Man? If your answer to the first question is yes, but the second is not, it’s time for an introduction.
Yawning Man is a lesser known but incredibly influential act in this subgenre. Since their formation in the 1980s, the La Quinta, California act has been a foundational act for the improvisational, extended sound of desert rock. Bands like Kyuss cite them as an influence, which probably tells you all you need to know. As such, if you’re looking for something atmospheric, layered, inspired, and massive, we have a track for you: “Respiratory Pause”.
“Respiratory Pause” is one of three songs that will appear on Yawning Man‘s upcoming release, Long Walk of the Navajo. The record features Gary Arce on guitar, Bill Stinson on drums, and the return of bassist Billy Cordell. “Respiratory Pause” shows the trio’s creative instrumental capacity over its thirteen and a half minute journey. Arce builds layer upon layer of cinematic and gritty guitars with modulated chords, dreamy melodies, and manipulated delay feedback. Cordell interweaves a thoughtful counterpoint between Arce’s soundscapes and Stinson’s doomy beats and expressive fills. The bass lends weight and form to the composition while also offering some unique melodic responses to Arce’s performance. Together, these three instruments guide us along a track that could score a psychedelic adventure through the stars or a reflective walk through beaches and desert sands.
This visual imagery is not without intention. The band explains:
‘The Long Walk Sessions were inspired by a desert storm that hit the Joshua tree landscape that created a dark and gloomy backdrop for the band’s creativity and improvisations.‘
The song’s impromptu end left me wanting more, despite the track’s already impressive duration. I look forward to hearing the complete vision for the project once Long Walk of the Navajo drops on June 16 through Heavy Psych Sound Records. You can pre-order the new record here, visit their website here, and keep up with the legendary band on Facebook
