King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard in Cleveland – Concert Review
- Bill Kurzenberger
The Portland-based instrumental surf-garage-psych project Trabants, spearheaded by Eric Penna, has unveiled their latest single “Mantra,” accompanied by a new video. The single, a two-track 7-inch vinyl featuring “Mantra” b/w “Surfers On Acid,” is set for release on May 30 via Hypnotic Bridge Records.
Described as possessing a “buzzsaw psychedelic urgency,” Trabants’ sound is a dynamic blend of surf, garage, and psych rock. Their music often draws comparisons to bands like Russian Circles, Explosions in the Sky, and Allah-Las, marked by its abrupt transitions from serene passages to intense, guitar-driven crescendos.
Penna, a musical auteur known for his ’60s psychedelic sensibilities, leads Trabants with a rotating lineup of musicians. This latest release continues to showcase his talent for crafting visceral and immersive soundscapes. “Mantra” and “Surfers On Acid” promise to be a mind and body experience, embodying the duality of introspective and physical journeys.
Penna explains that the new songs are more deliberate than previous works. “As an instrumental band, we create a mood that often evokes a place. But these songs are more about a voyage inside the listener themselves. ‘Mantra’ represents the mind, guiding you through a meditative, introspective journey, while ‘Surfers On Acid’ embodies the physical, with its urgent, surf-inspired rhythms.”
“Mantra” blends Eastern-influenced psychedelic elements with classic surf, featuring meditative drones, trippy backward guitar, and expansive choruses. The accompanying video, shot in Palm Springs, mirrors an hallucinogenic trip, blending psychedelic imagery with mid-century modern aesthetics. “Surfers On Acid,” on the other hand, captures the primal energy of surf rock with dense fuzz and improvised guitar elements, recorded in a raw, unpolished style to capture the immediacy and intensity of the performance.
Trabants have a rich performance history, having shared stages with icons like Dick Dale, La Luz, and The Sloths, and played at notable festivals worldwide. Their extensive roster of contributors includes Pete Curry (Los Straitjackets / Nick Lowe), Samira Winter (Winter), and Bryan Murphy (Man Man), among others.
Penna’s music has also found its way into various media, with placements in Netflix’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Hulu’s Shut Eye, CBS’ Undercover Boss, and films like Surf Noir and T-Rex. His work has been recognized with an Independent Music Award nomination for best instrumental album.
This new 7-inch single sets the stage for Trabants’ upcoming full-length LP, promising more of their signature exotic, fuzzed-out, psychedelic surf guitar instrumentals. The record was produced at Hemstreet Sound in Portland, OR, with mastering by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East.
With “Mantra” and “Surfers On Acid,” Trabants continue to push the boundaries of instrumental rock, offering listeners a unique auditory journey that is both introspective and exhilarating.
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