Stone Sole River – 'Terra Mama' (Stone Sole River) Released 16/01/06

If Queens of the Stone Age pen, as their last album title would suggest, lullabies to paralyze, Bury three-piece Stone Sole River craft soothing songs which would incite slumber in even the most perenially awake of insomniacs. Lead singer and guitarist Michael Parker and drummer Carl Meehan have spent the last couple of years (bassist Jon Walsh is a more recent recruit) supporting the likes of The Blue Oyster Cult, Mountain, and Wishbone Ash. And it shows on this, their debut album with prog rock, psychedelic folk and blues influences to the fore.

It was noted producer Phil Spector who pioneered the wall-of-sound approach to recording. Stone Sole River replicate this technique, but such are the various textures and layers, Parker admits to experimenting with "cymbal harmonics" and even using a set of sound engineer John Slater's keys "as a percussion instrument" in the studio, that it's more of a great Wall of China of sound. No wonder the band recommend listening to the album through headphones.

Michelle Caddick offers excellent backing vocals throughout, although she's virtually dueting with Parker on the epic 'Fallen'. She only adds to the Stone Sole River sonic experience. A case of turn on, tune in and drop out. By the time you make it through to rifftastic closer 'The Shape I'm In', as good an impression of rock majesties TSOOL as you're ever likely to hear, you will be as frazzled and woozy as if you've just necked a mountain of mind-altering drugs. This is music to trip out too. Just don't be having nightmares afterwards.