Allah-Las - Allah-Las (Self Titled) - Album Review

Mesmerizing is the first word that comes to mind after listening to this fantastic new album by the Allah-Las. We did a review of their Fingerprints Records in-store performance back in April and have been waiting patiently for the release of their first full length record ever since. The band's self titled album out now on Innovative Leisure Records is well worth the wait and is without a doubt one of the best records of the year.

If you've never heard one of their songs or seen them play live, their psychedelic sound has a direct connection to some of the great garage bands of the 1960's. Early Stones, The Byrds and Love are just a few of the many influences that you can hear in their music. Make no mistake though, the band has managed to weave all of these sounds into something that that is fresh, new and all their own.

As we mentioned in our Fingerprints review, lead singer Miles Michaud possesses a quality and tone to his voice that reminds us of a young Eric Burden. His vocals combined with guitarist Pedrum Siadatian's surf inspired riffs and powerful back beat provided by bassist Spencer Dunham and drummer Matt Correia all add up to a captivating laid-back retro California sound.

Click below to see the video for the song "Busman's Holiday" which is the third track on the new album. This song is an excellent representation of the band's style. They use Beach Boys-like harmonies and excellent musicianship to transport you back to another place and another time.

The new album also includes "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)" and "Sacred Sands" which are an A and B side of a vinyl single that the band released  back in April. The song "Sacred Sands" is a surf rock instrumental that is somewhat reminiscent of the 60's band The Ventures.

Drummer Matt Correia takes over the lead vocal duties on a cover of the Roots song "Long Journey" which is the final track on the album. The song has a haunting dark undertone like something that came right out sleazy B movie.

The band will be going out on tour in September and October playing most of the dates with Nick Waterhouse. If you are lucky enough to have them come to your town DO NOT miss it!

9/26 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
9/27 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall*
9/28 - St. Louis, MO @ Plush
9/29 - Indianapolis, IN @ White Rabbit Cabaret
9/30 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
10/2 - Washington, DC @ The Rock and Roll Hotel
10/3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
10/4 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
10/5 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Union Pool*
10/6 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
10/8 - Toronto, ONT @ The Great Hall
10/10 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
10/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
10/14 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
10/15 - Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo
10/16 - Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore
10/17 - Portland, OR @ Star Theatre
10/20 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
10/21 - Los Angeles, CA El Rey

All dates with Nick Waterhouse except *