Brant Bjork
Once Upon a Time in the Desert


3.7
great

Review

by Raul Stanciu STAFF
September 23rd, 2024 | 11 replies


Release Date: 09/20/2024 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Brant’s back into gear.

Brant Bjork is back with a brand new sonic trip, his most focused and energetic in a while. Recruiting Palm Desert scene legend, Mario Lalli of Yawning Man & Fatso Jetson on bass after working together on the latter’s Rubber Snake Charmers project, extra muscle was added to the tunes. As a result, Once Upon a Time in the Desert hits the hardest in over a decade or so. Whereas groove is mandatory, the crunchy guitars and uplifting tempos occasionally evoke Kyuss vibes. Songs such as “Down the Mountain” and “Rock and Roll in the Dirt” share those swinging rhythms Bjork’s former band made good use of. Of course, they are filtered through his solo era blues rock tone. Still, it’s a welcomed change to once again hear more intense music from Brant. Meanwhile, “Astrological Blues/Southern California Girl” toys with pounding riffs and melodic guitar solos, while Lalli’s sharp bass lines bring a rougher edge to the core. The fun continues on “Do You Get Some Fire?” and its smooth licks among meaty low end and fuzzy chords. It was a surprise to hear such pumping tracks after a handful of LPs where he adopted mostly a subdued, less is more approach.

As expected, we can hear a couple of more laid back moments too, however, they maintain a certain power level to blend in with the rest of the songs. “Magic Surfer Magazine” is one of them, although it kicks back into gear halfway through. Nevertheless, the mellow part is lovely, with those lush guitar leads alongside Brant’s silky croon. Same goes for “Higher Lows”, offering a fair dose of sweet, straightforward rock ‘n’ roll. Overall, it’s great to hear the desert rock scene veteran going strong almost 40 years into his career. His output remains just as relevant to the genre and always a pleasure to listen to. Once Upon a Time in the Desert is a rewarding listen to anyone who enjoys the blues rock/stoner rock genres.




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user ratings (4)
3.9
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
September 23rd 2024


6264 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Strong stuff from Brant, stream here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp6ZNz2xDq0&list=OLAK5uy_nQYP4CSscSk2DtyvknfRq8AHAM4shVJAM&index=2

Krumkake
September 24th 2024


33 Comments


Haven't checked out his releases the last few years. This sounds promising

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
September 24th 2024


6264 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

This is the most engaging since Tao of the Devil probably. Also, the self titled LP has some cool songs.

ksoflas
September 24th 2024


1449 Comments


The bass sounds good, yeah.

Pajolero
September 24th 2024


1459 Comments


Saw him live earlier this year (with Mario Lalli on bass!) and it was sick! Had high hopes for this project and super happy to hear that it turned out well

Dedes
Contributing Reviewer
September 24th 2024


10681 Comments


I want to bjork

Pho3nix
September 24th 2024


1698 Comments


Interesting album cover

Egarran
September 25th 2024


35615 Comments


That flower better be psychedelic.

neekafat
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2024


26766 Comments


Ok I just had a Kyuss phase so I am so down for this--what's essential Brant Bjork?

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2024


6264 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Hard to pick tbh, plus there are lots of albums to choose from.

Jalamanta has some classic Brant Bjork tunes, but compared to Kyuss it's considerably mellower, mostly jamming.



For more engaging stuff - this album, Black Flower Power and Somera Sol are better. More riffs.



For a nice blend of mellow and riffs - Brant and the Operators, Gods & Goddesses, self titled and Keep Your Cool flow really nice.

ScuroFantasma
Emeritus
September 26th 2024


12260 Comments


Oooh nice, cool write-up man, need to check this



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