It takes some serious heat to spark a noticeable flame in this fiery world. Movie Club has been building a bonfire of momentum too huge to miss. They just finished a successful “Psychedelic Circus” residency in Hollywood, and celebrated the band’s 5-year anniversary. Venice Beach’s acclaimed psych-rock duo has more big news: From the depths of the mighty Pacific comes Movie Club’s second full-length studio album Great White.
Drummer Jessamyn Violet and guitarist Vince Cuneo have been carving a name for their uniquely rich minimalist sound. They’ve simultaneously been building an avant-garde reputation by featuring a variety of unexpected guests at live shows, including spoken word authors, burlesque, clowning and drag kings, among others.
“We are becoming our own brand of pirates,” says Violet. “Movie Club gets away with more as an instrumental rock band by taking so many risks and forging new ground through unexpected collaborations. I’m really stoked to be a part of a band that dares to be different in such experimental ways. It keeps the long road fresh and exciting.”
Great White was recorded at Station House Studio by engineer and mixer Mark Rains (Hooveriii, Death Valley Girls). It features the return of honorary Movie Club member Tim Lefebvre (Bowie, Black Crowes) on bass, as well as another previously-featured special guest David Ralicke (Ozomatli, Dengue Fever) on horns and flute.
The 10-track album ventures off in new directions for the group, including a few more ambient psychedelic tracks that illustrate their abilities to stretch the rock genre into even more cinematic dimensions. The LP is already getting airplay on KCRW and its vibrancy and range is further proof that the band has traveled a long way in five years and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon, either.
“From the first track to the last, we create each album to take the listener on an instrumental journey,” says Cuneo. “I believe this record is a true representation of who we are as a band right now while also opening doors to new sonic possibilities to come.”
What do you think of their new album?
