We can’t go far in the world of desert rock when it comes to noteworthy names without encountering some key players not even two feet in. Names like Brant Bjork, Nock Oliveri and Ryan Gut all have a massive place in all that desert rock has become for multiple reasons, and the thought of them collaborating would be a real wet dream for fans of the style everywhere. Somehow, that very dream has come true with the fresh creation of Stöner being so much of what many of us have been praying for.

It should go without saying that after taking note of the firepower that’s behind Stöner that expectations for a truly grand work of stoner rock is to be expected with nothing less than immense sun-baked glory to be had. While I still very much find that to be the case, it’s not without some noticeable flaws that makes “Stoners Rule” not quite as impactful as I was hoping for. It’s mostly in the first few tracks that I feel Stöner fell short of the target with a good chunk of those tracks feeling some combination of too repetitive and almost stagnant when it comes to the variation from one track to the next making for an introduction that leaves a lot more to be desired, but that’s where the rest of the record really kicks things off. The latter four tracks of “Stoners Rule” really show us what this promising combination of undeniable talent can really do when they’re put into one room together to create desert rock for the modern ears, and they don’t disappoint once they really get going. It’s all there from Brant’s trademark vocals, smooth and gripping riffs that cross the horizon with ease, drums as hypnotizing as rain over the sun-scorched earth, and a cool bluesy energy that permeates every moment of this debut that’s precisely what many of us would come to expect from these guys. From the intoxicating riffage of “Nothin'” to the 13 minutes of glory that the finale encapsulates, Stöner makes up for that rocky start by delivering the goods and so much more by the end of this essential listen for desert rock in 2021, and it’s comforting knowing that there’s a good chance it won’t be long before we hear more from what Stöner can whip up for it surely can become something that will become a festival headliner in no time if given the opportunity.

While still very much a mixed bag in my eyes, the significance of “Stoners Rule” I cannot deny in any form. The news of Stöner itself was enough to send waves across all stoner scene with very good reason, and I know in my soul that this is a tree that will bear undeniably scrumptious fruit in no time. With plenty of talent and time to water it with the glorious sun to fuel it, I don’t see why the powerful tree to sprout from the foundations of “Stoners Rule” wouldn’t be enough to shake a very large corner of all that rock calls its own.

“Stoners Rule” releases on June 25th via Heavy Psych Sounds!

LISTEN to the single, “Nothin'”, from “Stoners Rule” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

LIKE Stöner on Facebook here.