Before this week, I didn’t know that Ripple Music (long a staple of the heavy underground community) has a chapter called Rebel Waves Records that hones in on garage and psychedelic rock. It makes sense, actually. The scene has ballooned over the past 10 years and shows no signs of slowing, COVID or no. We’re going to be better served, I think, by record labels that come to specialize in the emerging strains of music to surface from the doom-stoner scene in its 50+ year history.

Today, Doomed & Stoned is pleased to bring you the sublabel’s newest releases, the second album by neo-psych rockers Arcadian ¥ Child. As I listen, I’m impressed by how the four-piece from Cyprus weaves ancient-sounding melodies (essentially folk music) into their sound – something that Grecian band Villagers of Ioannina City has pulled off quite successfully. Some have also compared Arcadian Child’s songwriting prowess to Dead Meadow, All Them Witches, even System of a Down.

Auditing their latest record, ‘Protopsycho’ (2020), I cannot help but liken it to one of those tripped out parties where every room in the house holds another surprise (I’ve actually never been to one of those fabled bashes, so I’m not for sure that they even exist – you’re welcome to prove me wrong, just don’t forget the invite).

There’s a warmth that pervades the entire album, the Sol-kissed Mediterranean betraying its presence especially in songs like “Snakecharm,” “The Well,” and the title track. The record not only held up for me under repeated spins, it got progressively more interesting as I picked up on rhythmic nuances, instrumental choices, and dense textures I hadn’t really noticed before. “Bitter Tea” emerged from the latest sesh as my favorite of the lot, though the next track “Bodies of Men” has a whole '70s Deep Purple/Hendrix vibe that really draws me.

An enchanting listen from edge to center, Arcadian Child’s Protopsycho is due for release on Rebel Waves Records this Friday, October 9th (pre-order here). Until that time, you can immerse yourself in the Arcadian Child experience as Doomed & Stoned brings you this global premiere.

Give ear…

Arcadian Child are a mercurial psychedelic rock quartet based out of Limassol, Cyprus. Psyched, potent and intoxicating, they deliver their diverse rock melded with tripped-out ambience, hallucinogenic patterns, and cathartic outbursts. With sounds rivaling the squealing sirens of the Mediterranean up to the dark bellows of the West, Arcadian Child convey their psychedelic ritual in their jam-filled live shows where they spread their hypnotic vibrations. Boasting a heady swagger, sophisticated riffs, and purposeful lyrics their music echoes far and wide.

Their 2017 debut album 'Afterglow’ was widely acclaimed and received compelling support from the growing international neo-psych scene and the Limassol psychedelic rockers signed with California-based Ripple Music in January 2018 to reissue it worldwide on vinyl. Their highly anticipated sophomore studio record was released in November 2018 through Ripple Music and Rebel Waves Records (formerly known as Rogue Wave Records) and received multiple raving reviews, hitting many year-end lists including the likes of The Obelisk and It’s Psychedelic Baby Mag. ARCADIAN CHILD once again teamed up with Rebel Waves Records to release their third album 'Protopsycho’ on October 9th, 2020.

Rebel Waves Records is an imprint of Californian label Ripple Music, bringing the finest alt-rock, psychedelic pop, post-punk and garage/lounge music to music lovers’ ears worldwide. 'Protopsycho’ will be released on limited edition CD and digital on October 9th, 2020 and available to preorder now through Rebel Waves Records and Ripple Music. (press release)

I’m not much of a morning person. Well, at least I like to take it slow and easy when I’m beginning my day. Sometimes it takes just a little jolt of music to get me going, but nothing too sinister. Just the right balance. Enter Mediterranean rockers STONUS, a five-member stoner band with a vibrant range and fuzzy, downtuned tendencies. Formed in 2015 in Nicosia, Cyprus, the team moved to London in 2018 where they have been gigging hard and chipping away at new music ever since. Their energetic stage performances and high-voltage sound throws one hell of a planet rockin’ party.

With five years and two EPs under the belt, living life between two countries, Stonus have carved out a distinct sound rooted in classic hard rock, energetic psychedelia, and contemporary stoner rock. Their debut LP, ‘Aphasia’ (2020), aims for listeners to take a trip with the band giving us tones that are both ethereal and earthy.

Recorded live at Wreck it Sounds Studios in Corinth, Greece under the supervision of George Leodis and John Modes, the band opted for an entirely analog approach for this spin. The result is a sunny texture that feels like the warm, familiar glow of the morning’s rising sun

Aphasia turns loose this Friday, March 6th on vinyl via Electric Valley Records and on CD through Daredevil Records. Fans of King Buffalo, Villagers of Ioannina City, Nightstalker, and Valley of the Sun will find much to relish here. With a fuzzy mix of stoner and psychedelic vibes, this is just the right recipe to jump start the day or the weekend!

Give ear…