ASTRAL MAGIC – EMERALD TABLET/ TASTE OF SUNLIGHT (IN MY MOUTH) (2024) (Bandcamp/ Royal Mint Records)

Heavy, man! This one sure did blow the cobwebs out. ‘Emerald Tablet’ is a real mindblower, capturing the spirit of a JIMI HENDRIX embracing space rock; the twin guitars of Aki Kuosmanen and Joonas Soini along with Pentti Dassum’s and Santtu Laakso’s modular synths and Tapio Lepisto's drums producing a BIG sound. The slower-paced instrumental ‘Taste of Sunlight (In My Mouth)’ is a terrific B-side, sounding like an ‘out of this world’ CREAM with synths perhaps; sterling bass work from Santtu as well! It is interesting to compare the bonus tracks: home demos of the two pieces, with the final outcomes. Astral Magic just keep churning out these fabulous riffs – long may it continue!

It's available on a modestly priced digital download. The eagerly awaited 50 limited lathe-cut single vinyl has been delayed unfortunately. I’ll let you all know if I hear anything!