Northern California’s Redwood return with “Cloud Colony,” a self-released album that firmly redefines their identity within the modern Heavy Psych and Cosmic Rock scene. Clocking in at nearly forty-five minutes, it’s a record that fuses weight and atmosphere — eight tracks where dueling guitars, hypnotic synth layers, and dense rhythmic foundations merge into an immersive, space-infused experience. The album opens with “Doomsday Darling,” a burst of cosmic energy that immediately sets the tone. Fuzz-driven riffs, a solid rhythmic backbone, and sharp guitar tones evoke an authentic sense of Cosmic Heavy Rock. The vocal lines cut through the thick wall of sound with intensity, adding an expressive layer to the band’s raw and spacey power. It’s a perfect opener — vigorous, gritty, and expansive, channeling the rough edges of Heavy Rock while steering straight into the void of Space Rock. The title- track, “Cloud Colony,” follows with a monolithic groove and a raw, distorted character. The riffs are compact and heavy, while the bass and drums interlock in a granite-like structure that sustains the track’s relentless energy. The vocals ride the mix with confidence, surrounded by swirling effects that enhance its cosmic aura. Midway through, the piece evolves into an instrumental ascent — the lead guitar slicing through the dense rhythm section with laser precision. It’s an impressive example of Cosmic Heavy Rock, blending Stoner grit and proto-Metal heaviness with a deep, garage-like rawness. “Escaping Absence” dives into darker territories, with a sound steeped in Doom-laden atmosphere. Cavernous riffs and ritualistic vocal lines create a shadowy, almost ceremonial feel. The song evolves fluidly between Doom and Heavy Rock, revealing the band’s ability to develop dynamic, thematic progressions. The guitar solo expands the sonic landscape, evoking distant worlds while the rhythm section — deep, powerful basslines and monolithic drumming — grounds the piece with force. A mesmerizing track, equal parts heavy and haunting. An extended, distorted intro paves the way for “Caravan,” which channels classic Hawkwind-style Space Rock energy through Redwood’s heavier and more personal sound. The effect-laden vocals transport the listener into a cosmic dimension, while the piece itself unfolds as a steady ascent — a true “spacefaring ride” marked by flowing tempo shifts and sharp instrumental accents. The interplay between guitars and rhythm recalls those perpetual ascensions typical of the early Hawklords era, yet with a modern Heavy Rock edge. It’s a stellar fusion of vintage cosmic aesthetics and contemporary heaviness. With “Europa,” the band explores slower, heavier territory. Built around massive riffs, deep basslines, and monolithic drumming, it showcases a darker, more introspective side of their sound. The track balances weight and atmosphere, unfolding like a Heavy Psych ritual infused with proto-Doom nuances. The vocals remain expressive and dynamic, while the band maintains a dense, enveloping groove that drags the listener into its gravitational pull. A powerful and immersive composition that reveals Redwood’s knack for mood and texture. “Riders of Ton 618” takes us further into cosmic depths. The track thrives on a colossal rhythmic drive and layered guitars that shimmer with celestial effects. The vocals, at times choral, blend seamlessly into the galactic backdrop, while the rhythm section constructs a massive sonic wall that the guitar’s solo passages pierce with elegance. Toward the end, an extended instrumental section brings the album’s exploratory essence to its peak — a moment of pure, heavy psychedelia that perfectly encapsulates Redwood’s identity. The reimagined “Into The Sun (Kick Out The Jams)” transforms MC5’s explosive anthem into a hallucinogenic Space Rock journey. Retaining the original’s raw power while injecting it with cosmic textures and Heavy Fuzz, Redwood reinterpret the song through a prism of psychedelic intensity. Distorted guitars, pounding rhythms, and expansive vocal layering give this version a distinctively astral character — a bold homage filtered through their unique vision. Closing the album, “Ceres” stands as a monumental instrumental finale. It weaves intricate rhythmic variations, shifting tempos, and extended guitar-driven passages into a dynamic and immersive piece. The interplay between guitars and rhythm is sharp and cohesive, merging classic Heavy Rock elements with a more modern, Progressive approach. Through constant evolution and fluid transitions, Ceres embodies the band’s compositional maturity — an evocative conclusion that leaves the listener suspended between heaviness and vastness. “Cloud Colony” is a remarkable step forward for Redwood — an album that captures their Cosmic Heavy Rock essence while expanding it with refined musicianship and deeper atmosphere. Balancing the density of fuzz-laden heaviness with wide, galactic soundscapes, the record feels both grounded and transcendent. It’s not just a collection of songs but a coherent journey through heaviness, Psychedelia, and celestial exploration — proof that Redwood have fully embraced their place among the new generation of modern space travellers in Heavy Rock.
Tracklist
01. Doomsday Darling (3:40)
02. Cloud Colony (6:45)
03. Escaping Absence (5:49)
04. Caravan (4:44)
05. Europa (5:37)
06. Riders Of Ton 618 (5:14)
07. Into The Sun (Kick Out The Jams) (3:44)
08. Ceres (8:41)