THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Big Scenic Nowhere is the ambitious project formed by Bob Balch (Fu Manchu) and Gary Arce (Yawning Man) on guitar, also featuring Tony Reed (Mos Generator) on bass, vocals, synths and guitar, and Bill Stinson on drums (Yawning Man).
Anyone familiar with the terms “Stoner Rock” or “Desert Rock” have surely heard the names Fu Manchu or Yawning Man. If you’re a die-hard fan of the genre, or a causal observer, you know that both bands have been dishing out quality material since the beginning. While stylistically different, both bands occupy legendary status. Fu Manchu’s sun-drenched, stratospheric, fuzz worship sound and Yawning Man’s ethereal, ambient delay have never been crossbred until now. It’s certainty a good time to be alive if you’re a fan of either band.
While the project would grow soon enough to encompass players like Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man), Nick Oliveri (Mondo Generator, ex-Kyuss), Lisa Alley and Ian Graham (both of The Well), Alain Johannes (Them Crooked Vultures, Chris Cornell) and Thomas V. Jäger (Monolord), Big Scenic Nowhere is founded on Balch and Arce tossing guitar riffs and leads back and forth, piecing together song parts one movement at a time. Jamming. Sharing music. Developing a chemistry to build something new based on their individual experiences. In this way, Big Scenic Nowhere is the heart of what collaboration should manifest. Something that grows stronger for the cohesion between those who make it happen. The result of this symbiosis was debut album Vision Beyond Horizon, which was released on Jan. 31 — and followed up by their new EP Lavender Blues.
Clocking in at nearly half an hour, Lavender Blues features special guests Per Wiberg (ex-Opeth) on synths and piano, Daniel Mongrain (Voivod) as well as Chris Goss (Masters Of Reality) on guitar. With a mellow and psychedelic attitude enveloping their desert soundscapes, the three tracks hold together with a progressive and old school hard rock inspiration that will blow any rock lover’s mind.”
