Incepted amidst the creative maelstrom of 2019, Smooth Retsina Glow emerges as a kaleidoscopic force, a breath of fresh innovation billowing from the fertile grounds of the Lehigh Valley. Comprising the talents of Colin Wolf, Sarah Stoll, Jacob Wolfe and Brian Dercas, the quartet has swiftly garnered both discerning critical acclamation and a robust following.
Their latest opus, Gemini Reign, unfurls as an odyssey to a celestial realm, where the listener is beckoned to traverse through intricately woven auditory tapestries. Within this sonic expedition lies a symphony of odd time signatures, progressively psychedelic yet eminently accessible tonal explorations and a masterful equilibrium between the luminous and the enigmatic. The embrace of indie rock is both fervent and enduring.
Embarking on this astral journey, “Turn To Hubris” ignites the cosmic engines, a fuzz-drenched rock serenade that marries the vintage allure of classic rock with a distinct alternative fervor. Its allure is indelible, crowned by a guitar solo that stands resolute. “Overcoming,” on the other hand, exhibits a vocal departure, exuding an innocence akin to a lullaby, an enchanting divergence from the norm.
“Bound By Desire” swings in with fervent funkadelic pulse, an homage to the Parliament-Funkadelic school infused with hues of Stevie Wonder’s ingenuity. “All You Past Times” shifts the timbre, assuming the guise of a ballad with a flirtatious nod to the ‘70s, evoking echoes of Pink Floyd’s mellifluous resonance. The zenith of coolness arrives with “Backsliding,” a lysergic marvel bedecked in surreal effects, a psychedelic panorama of sprawling magnitude.
A sharp pivot to terra firma follows with “Short-Handed,” a rambunctious burst of rock energy that grounds the ethereal voyage. A tranquil interlude presents itself in the form of “She Won’t Be Home,” an R&B-inflected reverie radiating warmth and restraint. “Obfuscate,” featuring the trundle of rolling toms, emerges as another zenith, demonstrating dexterity in musical craftsmanship. Culmination approaches with “Eternal Now,” a solid demonstration of the ensemble’s prowess, serving as a testament to their artistic journey. The grand finale, the title track “Gemini Reign,” unfolds with an epic flourish, a thematic rock hymn that echoes vastness and intrigue. In its entirety, “Gemini Reign” is an anthology of eclecticism, a testament to the band’s audacious foray into uncharted realms.
Smooth Retsina Glow wields bold strokes, inviting listeners to an auditory banquet of innovation. There’s much to revere within this audial tapestry; it stands as a testament to an ensemble unafraid to take quantum leaps into the unknown.
