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PEYOTE COYOTE are a psychedelic indie rock trio from Pompano Beach, Florida.
Guitarist and vocalist Ryan Huseman, bassist Jake Stuart and drummer Cari Gee met at Florida Atlantic University as music students in 2012. After collaborating on many different projects together, the three formed Peyote Coyote in late 2014. With each member bringing their own set of influences to the group, the band have created their own brand of psychedelic rock that’s characterized by hypnotic grooves, catchy riffs and vocal harmonies.
I haven’t asked, but I’m guessing if I were to, Peyote Coyote would count the likes of Black Angels, possibly early Sleepy Sun and even Oasis amongst their favourite bands.
Yes – I said Oasis. Perhaps not your most obvious reference point when talking about psych / modern psychedelic bands, but think on: what band they openly credit for influence?
There must be millions of bands out there, all striving for that little bit of originality. But with so much gone before and a finite number of musical notes, it’s inevitable that comparisons will be made. Especially on this site!
I wouldn’t say Peyote Coyote actually sound specifically like those bands mentioned, but like a good wine, the traces are noticeable.
Where they score over a plethora of other psych bands, I think, is the blend of almost classic-styled rock with their psych-fused drones and harmonies.
For instance, and particularly so, with the opening song on this five-track, eponymous EP.
‘Evil Things,’ has a harder edge to it than many Black Angels numbers. And check the pounding drums. This is one song simply demanding to be listened to. Without knowing of the band previously, I was genuinely excited when I first watched this on You Tube.
‘Follow Through,’ for me reflects a little Oasis. The vocals are not so much snarled as Liam’s would be, but they have that sort of cocky assurance he portrayed, while the guitar soars above the throbbing bass line. This one could equally be ‘single’ material – if such a thing even exists these days.
‘Finding My Way,’ drops in pace, but not intensity. The balance, as with all the songs here, between vocals and guitar riffs versus solo, works really well and maintains the listener’s attention throughout. The harmonies, I presume, with drummer Cari work really well. This one has an almost anthemic feel to it, and for my money, could easily be extended by a few minutes with a couple more big guitar ‘wig-outs.’
I’ll be honest, while I still enjoyed ‘Desert,’ it seems to be lacking that little extra bit of ‘oomph’ that the other track have. For me, it’s a mid-set, recuperation period for the punters in the front row at a Peyote Coyote gig. Something to allow everyone a few minutes to gather themselves for the second half onslaught. I’m not knocking it – it just has a lot to live up to. But I’d be interested to know if this remains in the band’s set list once they have built up a more extensive back catalogue.
The final track is the more downbeat ‘Another Song.’ Now this is better. Back on track, guys! It does remind me of the slow burning Psychic Ills or Sleepy Sun – but that’s a good thing, believe me.
This EP, their debut, is set to be released in April 2016 through their music collective, The Infinite Channel, with a performance at Mandala Music Festival and a regional tour to follow.
For more info, visit www.thepeyotecoyote.com.
(As I gradually begin to revamp LOUD HORIZON, I’m going to instigate a star ranking with the highest mark being seven. l like to be different.)
So – Peyote Coyote’s debut offering? Simply because I don’t feel I can go ‘max’ on the first review of the ‘new’ blog – as still excellent (6/7)
