Depending on who you’re asking, the state of stoner rock can either be in good shape or be outright stale. I can’t wholly blame those of the latter given that much of stoner rock, like many other styles throughout the endless underground, can be quite repetitive and become tedious pretty quickly if there’s nothing to come around and give us a shot of adrenaline that can be desperately needed. Having made a wave or two with their debut album two years ago, it’s here with their second album that Sidewinder arrives with that shot to the arm that feels oh so good.

While I’m sure there are those out there who feel like stoner rock is a relatively restrictive sound, I cannot help but disagree. Much like psychedelic rock as a whole, stoner rock can be many different things with it oftentimes taking the form of several stylistic cues rolled into a single creation to make such a work multi-dimensional and a real treat if it’s done right. Taking into account more than a little bit of psychedelia, riffs abound, and a real understanding of their craft to a point that’s simply fascinating to behold, Sidewinder throws down what has to be considered one of the more impressive works of the genre that 2024 has thrown our way by far. “Talons” takes no prisoners and leaves nothing on the table with Sidewinder evolving past their influences to become an entity wholly their own with all the flavors, personality, and nuance that one could ask for in such a scenario. A sheer wall of riffs laced with a tripped-out approach that all come together greatly with the gorgeously soaring vocals to make for an experience that packs a real punch over and over again with the euphoria always at a high. Sidewinder never misses an opportunity to make “Talons” a real feast for the senses that always has so much to uncover so long as you continuously peel away at the layer that this album has in spades.

Stoner rock done with real finesse, passion, and clear talent, “Talons” has immediately set Sidewinder apart from a vast majority of the competition. This performance is what it means to know your craft inside and out while constantly delivering it at an undeniable high to make it something that’s both a wild ride and intensely intoxicating to behold. For all that they’ve brought forth within this piece, Sidewinder instantly puts itself on the map as a band that must be watched extremely closely.

LISTEN to “Talons” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Sidewinder on Facebook here.