Potent Psych Power Trio Lands At Slim's
Dedicated to resurrecting the art of the psychedelic hard-rock power trio, Earthless deliver a bracing collision of expansive sounds and sternum-rattling thunder with their instrumental attack. Formed 15 years ago in San Diego by Rubalcaba (Off!, Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Black Heart Procession), bassist Mike Eginton (Electric Nazarene) and guitarist Isaiah Mitchell (Nebula, Howlin' Rain, Golden Void), the group takes an open-ended improvisational approach to hard rock that alternately recalls the jam-heavy exploration of Cream and Jimi Hendrix, modern Japanese psych purveyors like Acid Mothers Temple and more obscure '70s riff alchemists like Dust and Groundhogs.
The group released its impressive debut Sonic Prayer on Gravity in 2005 and two years later followed up that effort with Rhythms from a Cosmic Sky, an album that has left critics and fans alike frothing with enthusiasm. Locking into epic grooves stretching to 20 minutes and even longer without losing their dynamic upward trajectory, the band's transcendent live performances have earned Earthless a reputation as one of the best heavy music acts performing today.
The trio took some time off after the release of Live at Roadburn (a ripping two-disc document of the trio's amazing 2008 performances at the famed Dutch festival of the same name), though they did contribute its first original song featuring vocals with Mitchell singing entitled "Demon Lady" to a split 2011 EP with like-minded bands Danava and Lecherous Gaze for the Kemado label.
The break allowed members to focus their energies on a variety of projects. Mitchell relocated to the Bay Area where he founded his popular band Golden Void, while Rubalcaba played with both a reunited Hot Snakes and Rocket From the Crypt in addition to putting out two albums and touring with former Black Flag/Circle Jerks singer Keith Morris in hardcore revivalist band Off!
The band reconvened in 2012 to tour and release it's most recent studio effort, From the Ages the following year. Hailed by many as the band's best yet, the sprawling double album featured three sprawling epics. The title tune clocked in at over 30 minutes, while two other songs -- the transporting opener "Violence of the Red Sea" and "Uluru Rock" -- both stretched to 14 minutes of face-melting intensity.
The band has toured regularly since that album, but it wasn't until earlier this year that the trio finally issued a new song. Released for free download in January via Scion A/V, the pummeling track is only their third song to feature Mitchell's vocals. Earthless is also slated to put out a split 12" with Tee Pee Records labelmates Harsh Toke in late May.
For this return to San Francisco, the group headlines Slim's with SF favorites Pins of Light and local stoner rock veterans Older Sun. A leading light of San Francisco's experimental punk rock fringe, Pins of Light features a talented quartet of musicians with solid pedigrees (veterans of such noted SF bands as Dead and Gone, Triclops!, Hightower, Peace Creep and Night After Night) and a desire to push the boundaries of heavy music.
The band's 2012 debut for Alternative Tentacles showcased bassist Shane Baker's growling vocal delivery and a sound that split the difference between two bands anchored by late bass legend Lemmy: the pulsing, riff-driven space rock of Hawkwind and the pummeling, raucous attack of Motörhead. Their latest self-released collection of songs Home boast more sci-fi sound effects and some of the group's most compelling songwriting yet.
Earthless with Pins of Light
Thursday, March 31, 8 p.m. $16-$19
Slim's
