Review Summary: The birth of a legend before the desert dust settled!
Recorded in 1990 under the name Sons of Kyuss, these demos capture a band still searching for its identity, somewhere between hard rock, thrash metal and the emerging alternative scene.
Long before Blues for the Red Sun established the desert rock blueprint, Josh Homme, John Garcia and company were already experimenting with ideas that would eventually redefine heavy music. Rather than a fully formed proto-stoner release, these recordings document the fascinating process of discovering a sound that did not yet have a name, even though the pioneers Across the River, led by Mario Lalli, had arguably already invented desert rock in 1985 with their generator-powered concerts and music that was astonishingly ahead of its time.
Freedom Run immediately hints at the future through its proto-stoner riffing and powerful bass, although hard rock still dominates the overall approach. Stage III shifts toward thrash metal, filled with palm-muted riffs that showcase the band's technical ability but offer little of the personality they would later develop. I'm Not and Big Bikes continue exploring hard rock and alternative influences, with only occasional Black Sabbath-inspired guitar melodies hinting at what was to come.
Beginning of What's About to Happen is easily the most accomplished composition, unsurprisingly becoming the opening track on Wretch. It already displays a stronger structure and greater confidence, even if it remains rooted more in dirty hard rock than true stoner. The Law passes by without making much of an impression, while Zero? closes the tape on a stronger note thanks to Josh Homme's excellent guitar solo and a series of memorable closing riffs.
Conclusion: the greatest strength of these demos lies not in the individual songs but in what they represent. Kyuss had not yet become the defining stoner band they would soon be, nor did they comfortably fit into any existing genre. Instead, these recordings capture four musicians gradually leaving behind their influences while unknowingly creating something entirely new.
As a historical document, these demos are fascinating; as a collection of songs, they remain an enjoyable but understandably uneven first step.
Best Tracks: Beginning of What's About to Happen, Freedom Run, Zero?
Rating: ***
