Music Review by Bill Rendall
Blues for the Red Sun - Kyuss
One of the best exponents of stoner rock is the little known band Kyuss. Their sound featured guitar played heavily on the bass strings, as pioneered by Black Sabbath. They added touches of pyschedelia.
Blues for the Red Sun was Kyuss's second album and caught them at their best. The album opens strongly with the catchy riff of 'Thumb'. The song features an effective tempo change towards the end. This is followed by the rollicking 'Green Machine'.
The third track, 'Molten Universe', is one of many instrument tracks on Blues for the Red Sun which work effectively as segues between songs. However, later in the album is an instrumental track called 'Apothecaries Weight' which goes on a bit too long.
'Freedom Run' is the longest track and is a highlight of the album. The intro features odd guitar effects overlaid with a vocal chant. The main body of the song rocks hard with an extended guitar workout in the middle.
Near the end of the album is a short instrumental called 'Capsized' featuring a bright acoustic guitar sound which provides a contrast to the dark electric guitar sound that dominates the album. This is an instrumental track which I would have liked to be a bit longer.
The album ends with a weird song called 'Mondo Generator'. The vocal is too distorted for my liking and I can barely make out any of the lyrics. This could have been a good song if the vocal distortion was more subtle. Actually there is one more track that follows, but as it is only three seconds long it doesn't really count.
Blues for the Red Sun is an interesting album. It was never likely to be a big commercial success but if you like alternative music with a dark heavy sound then this album is essential listening.
Kyuss never gained the recognition they deserved. Although they broke up after a few years they continue to influence other bands. Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri went on to join Queens of the Stone Age and enjoyed greater commercial success.
Band Members:
John Garcia - Vocals
Josh Homme - Guitar
Nick Oliveri - Bass
Brant Bjork - Drums