The 2010s saw a resurgence of neo-psychedelic rock, as the decade spawned copious bands whose most common and distinct trait was the use of reverb. While this trait may have helped the genre congeal, its overuse became abundant. Simply putting massive amounts of reverb on the vocals and guitars doesn’t necessarily make something psychedelic. The best psychedelia is more likely to come from an organic and innovative approach rather than simply relying on formulaic settings. With the glut of bands toeing the line this way, neo-psych has gotten itself into a rut. Fortunately, there’s a way out– and Levitation Room demonstrates that with its new album Strange Weather.

Strange Weather is the third full-length from the East LA quartet who came together roughly a decade ago. Founding members Julian Porte (singer/guitarist), Gabriel Fernandez (lead guitar), and Johnathan Martin (percussion) are joined by new bassist Kevin Perez for this effort, and the result is glorious. After years of being suffocated by COVID and dispirited by a cultural malaise, we are treated to Strange Weather, a much-appreciated, feel-good affair that offers hope and absolution to a despondent society. It’s sunshine in a bottle. Levitation Room has shed their skin and slithered into something light and life-affirming. Taking their cues from 60s pop-rock, the record is upbeat but low-key — happy, but not annoyingly so. They implement 60s-style background harmonies and breezy melodies. It’s the sound of hope– like something good might finally happen in the world.