On occasion, we’re gifted bands whose focus on delivering excellence is no less than singular. Every sound out there has a select group that are easily distinguishable from the rest of the rabble where the talent and passion shines brighter than anywhere else with some even managing to show a rate of production that is staggering for the consistent quality. When Kadabra first came to us two years ago, I think many of us knew that the band was something to keep a sharp eye on, but I don’t think that we could have anticipated a speedy return like what we have here. Loads of improvement at hand and all the style in the world to boot, Kadabra’s sophomore effort is much more than what we could have asked for.

Considering Kadabra’s debut, “Ultra”, there’s still not much I would change or criticize about that record, yet Kadabra’s drive is clearly not meant just for the live stage. You could pick any one of the eight tracks that make up “Umbra” and you will quickly find that Kadabra is an insatiable beast that is not content to simply make a work that is satisfactory. Rather, Kadabra is out to show us what they’re truly made of with doomy riffs, silky smooth psychedelia, and an undeniable amount of flavor that permeates every given facet of the album’s sound to quickly make “Umbra” a powerful listen that is not easily turned down nor turned away from. Magnificent intoxication is the name of the game with this record as Kadabra never once fails to keep the listener under an intricate spell laid forth by spectacular rhythms and an ethereal backdrop that really enables “Umbra” to have the psychedelic tones that many bands in the sound strive for with few able to deliver it on such a level like what we see here. Embodying the classic values of the style without once neglecting to inject their own personalities and flavors into the mix to really make it a creation all their own, “Umbra” is nothing to underestimate in the slightest. There is true witchcraft that went on during the making of this record, and Kadabra uses it to their advantage at every given opportunity.

This is the kind of band that the modern world of psychedelic rock is always hoping to craft with instances like Kadabra really feeling like dreams manifest. Much of what has been pulled off to bring “Umbra” to life is what many of us are constantly craving for with some of the best aspects from many different corners of the sound converging in splendid fashion to give us an offering that is much more than what any of us could have expected when we first came upon the name of Kadabra. The future has always been incredibly bright for all things in the world of psychedelic rock, and it’s with this record that Kadabra shows they will have a big part to play in that grandeur.

“Umbra” releases on October 6th via Heavy Psych Sounds!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Umbra” on Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW Kadabra on Instagram here.