Feathers

The second Matador release from D.C.'s kings of psychedelic poundage finds the trio expanded to a quartet, and the musical palette extended into the realm of 12-string balladeering and shimmering shoegazery. The ethereal layers of guitar sounds on tracks like 'At Her Open Door' and 'Stacy's Song' represent a genuine creative departure. Dead Meadow play an unusual blend of flawless Hendrix/Sabbath riffage, dreamy psych, heavy undulating rhythms, dirty blues-rock, and environmental jams, with eerie high-pitched vocals. Miles beyond 'stoner rock' gimmickry, this is a beautifully natural sound, played by expert instinctive musicians.