Icelandic modern prog/psych trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have unveiled their second single, “Crystallized”, cut from their upcoming album, Monuments, out April 16, 2021 via Napalm Records. Those who have not hopped THE VINTAGE CARAVAN train yet will be convinced with “Crystallized”: the nearly six-minute joyride is injected with blues, prog rock and even funk-inspired elements, showcasing the band’s palpable, dynamic talent and mastery of varying inspired influences of the past while maintaining a fresh approach.
Talent for crafting swirling, grooving sonic journeys aside, the peculiar “Crystallized” music video truly showcases that these youngbloods are anything but one note. Displaying their noteworthy knack for slow-build humor, the video depicts the band waking up under very bizarre circumstances, eventually trying to find their way back home. On the flipside, the video provides a bold commentary on technology gone wrong. Watch this one ‘til the end!
THE VINTAGE CARAVAN vocalist/guitarist Óskar on the new single “Crystallized”:
“‘Crystallized’’ is the second single and second track on Monuments. Lyrically, the song is about a man travelling alone in a car through a blizzard in Iceland during a red weather warning. Eventually he loses his way and leaves the car and walks out into the unknown and disappears. Unfortunately, these lyrics were inspired by the many people who travelled our dangerous and unpredictable island and did not make it, so this is a warning song of sorts.”
Óskar adds:
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously when it comes to videos. We take the music very seriously, but we like funny music videos. Our friends from the rock band Volcanova make a special appearance at the end of the video, they are great! We buried ourselves in the black desert sand for a few hours for your pleasure. Enjoy!”
On
11 diverse tracks, this trio from Reykjavik truly cast a spell on fans of
bewitching, guitar-driven classic and blues rock influences. The album opener,
“Whispers”,
clearly showcases the band’s musical progression without sacrificing their
tried-and-true, retro-inspired sonic trademark. “Crystallized” convinces with light blues
influences, encircling the listener in enchanting guitar lines and quickly
rising to the full extent of its power while evoking anecdotes of retro
nostalgia. “Can’t Get You Out
Of My Mind” takes its listener on a blistering ride through
pounding drums, intense guitar solos and an undeniably catchy chorus, while
tracks like “This One’s For
You” represent a stunning blueprint in THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s
musical universe with unconventional, surprisingly calm melodies and Óskar’s
gripping, tranquil vocal power. In contrast, bold drumming merges with
fast-paced riffs, enveloping an impressive galloping vortex and pronouncing tracks
like “Dark Times”
and “Said And Done”
as top notch rock pieces. The soft plugging, atmospheric sound of album closer
“Clarity”
symbolizes the crowning culmination of a 60-minute journey through the eternal
landscapes of Iceland and the poetic lyricism of the trio.
With their new studio-album Monuments
and its captivating, stellar arrangements, these rising stars
definitely know how to put their very own stamp on the retro rock wave!
