The Warlocks
Heavy Deavy Skull Lover
Tee Pee Records

Studio wankery has given many a band chops they often can’t imitate in concert. While California psych-rock band The Warlocks never actually let this affect their music, earlier albums often had too pristine of a sound when compared to their live sets.

Heavy Deavy Skull Lover is full of the same droning jams drenched in feedback they are known for but The Warlocks take a more stripped-down approach with their newest effort than on Phoenix or Surgery. Reportedly recorded over the course of a week or so, Heavy Deavy… gives off a “live” feel, which gives the listener a sense of the band in their element, but also a band that is bring rushed. Absent from the new album is the long-windedness of “Jam Of The Witches” or “Suicide Note.” Instead, the band–this time head Warlock Bobby Hecksher is joined by Jenny Fraser, Bob Mustachio, and Jason Anchondo–choose to reign it in, but the result is lackluster. None of the songs on Heavy Deavy Skull Lover have the, um, addictiveness of “Thursday’s Radiation,” “Left And Right Of The Moon,” or “The Dope Feels Good,” and instead give off the vibe of a tired band out of fresh ideas. It’s unfortunate, since the band has been consistent for years. —David A. Cobb