JOHN GARCIA - The Coyote Who Spoke In Tongues (Napalm Records)

English:CD-review
  Van Muylem    12 februari 2017

Kyuss, Slo-Burn, Unida, Hermano, Vista Chino – yes, desert crooner John Garcia may rightfully be considered the ultimate incarnation of stoner rock. His first solo album from 2014 is still fresh in my mind, just like his gig in Ghent (in an overheated concert room) and now we get an acoustic album called The Coyote Who Spoke In Tongues. It’s bloody cold outside, but once you put on this album you feel the fire and can almost touch the desert …


Kylie is the opening track, a fully loaded acoustic guitar, percussions and a Spanish feel. It reminds me a bit of The Blood from The Cure. The vocals are sharp and clear: just the way I like it! At some point it even gets catchy with lots of great hooks. Green Machine creates a campfire moment, so don’t forget to put on your boots and hat. Give me 250ML tells a bad story, sounds pretty mean and will make you want to rock. The Hollingsworth Session gives you the sound of crackling fire and something that sounds like a piano. The backings gives it some extra power and a catchy feel.

Space Cadet is nicely playing with the acoustic feel: sweet and fragile, filled with emotions. I just feel it could have used a bit of a Toots Tielemans touch, with his harmonica - but hey, this dude is rocking now in heaven together with David Bowie and Lemmy. More fragility comes with Gardenia and no it doesn’t sound like Iggy Pop.El Rodeo slowly build up the tension, with a Spanish (or call it Mexican) touch, slowly destroying the wall that has been built around the track and unveiling its beauty. Argleben II glides and escapes a bit to my attention whilst Court Order is nothing more but an outro and thus making the end a bit too soft. I was hoping for a big burst at the end, but I think it’s more like: it’s time to go to sleep.

Well, despite the end I had some good time listening to this new album and hope to see the man in action, pretty soon!