Spanish Psychedelic Progressive Rock outfit Ethiva returns after an eight-year hiatus with their third studio album, “Beaten Track.” Released on May 13, 2025, the album features six extended tracks, showcasing the band’s evolution while remaining true to their unique blend of vintage and modern sounds. The album opens with “Rolling Freeze,” an immediate statement of intent that highlights both the technical skills and the sonic direction of the record. Intricate rhythmic patterns, dynamic tempo changes, and groovy passages blend seamlessly with expressive vocals. Ethiva strikes a fine balance between delicate, melodic moments and more complex instrumental sections, drawing a pleasant bridge between classic Psychedelic Rock and contemporary Progressive influences. Extended instrumental sections allow the band to shine through intricate interplay, with soaring guitar solos exploring Psychedelic textures enriched by Progressive sophistication. “Cut The Top” follows, maintaining a duration beyond the seven-minute mark and offering a vibrant, groove-laden experience. The track alternates intricate instrumental sections with a more accessible, rhythmic core. A distinctive vocal delivery adds a signature touch, while the interplay between lush instrumental breaks and melodic vocal passages keeps the intensity consistently high, resulting in an engaging listening experience throughout. With “Run Far Away,” Ethiva introduces heavier tones, opening with distorted guitar riffs and darker atmospheres. The track leans towards a heavier Psychedelic sound, revealing a different facet of the band’s musical identity. Upon the entrance of vocals, the mood shifts towards more enveloping, emotionally charged soundscapes, blending hypnotic Psychedelic elements with a warm and expressive vocal performance. The track evolves smoothly, showcasing intricate guitar work intertwined with captivating vocal lines.“Mountain Claim” brings in a heavier dose of Psychedelic Rock, enriched by a killer bassline and refined guitar work. Complex rhythmic changes and deep, prominent bass grooves allow the guitar to flourish with melodic and improvised leads. The vintage imprint of the band’s sound is particularly prominent here, evoking classic ‘70s vibes while sounding fresh and modern. The vocal performance once again stands out, complementing the continuous evolution of the track, which incorporates captivating progressive elements into a compelling musical crescendo. With “Red Lights,” Ethiva shift towards a more Rock-oriented approach. Psychedelic textures are underpinned by a tight, elaborate rhythm section, with alternating softer sections and heavier, Acid-tinged guitar passages. The track explores various sonic shades of the band, delivering extended instrumental jams that evoke a trippy, acid rock feel while maintaining a strong Progressive structure. Closing the album, “Summertime” introduces a lively rhythm section infused with Heavy Rock and Desert Rock overtones. The dynamic and assertive vocal delivery blends seamlessly with crunchy guitars and driving rhythms. The track shines through its engaging interplay between vocals and guitar, maintaining a tight balance between groove and melody while showcasing the band’s compositional finesse. Ethiva concludes the album on a high note, offering an energised yet sophisticated finale that leaves a lasting impression. “Beaten Track” marks the third studio effort by Ethiva, affirming the Spanish group’s ability to craft an intense and mature sound enriched with a personal touch. The album offers a compelling mix of Psychedelic and Progressive Rock, blending vintage atmospheres with a modern edge. Long, elaborate instrumental sections, expressive vocals, and a masterful balance between complexity and accessibility make this album a recommended listen for fans of Progressive and Psychedelic Rock. With its rich textures and engaging dynamics, “Beaten Track” is a rewarding sonic journey that honours the past while embracing a fresh, contemporary approach.
Tracklist
01. Rolling Freeze (07:58)
02. Cut The Top (07:40)
03. Run Far Away (05:52)
04. Mountain Claim (07:56)
05. Red Lights (06:47)
06. Summertime (07:57)
Lineup
Javi Lorenzo / Guitar
Ramón Fernández / Drums
Iván Muñoz / Bass
Camil Cinnamon / Vocals
clostridiumrecords.com …is the label 😉
Hi Andy, thanks for the comment. I’ve added the label links to the article. Keep up the good work. Jacopo // PRJ