Who would have thought the phenomenon of Stoner Rock emerging from the deserts of California would wend its way across the globe and resonate with so many people in so many countries. Today’s sampling comes from Cantabria, Spain. WET CACTUS formed in 2013 and have released three studio albums, the third, “Magma Tres,” was issued via Electric Valley Records on November 24, 2023.

The digital version of “Magma Tres” comprises 12 tracks with a runtime of 46 minutes. It is a well-produced, well-executed diatribe against environmental issues, essentially bemoaning the destruction of the planet through the selfish actions of man in the name of industry. Like most albums of the Stoner Rock ilk, the album is thoroughly psyche-infused and has a heavy jam vibe.  “Mirage,” as an example, is a six+ minute instrumental which plays like one long improvisation on a theme. Not saying that’s a bad thing. In fact, “Mirage” is one of the best tracks on the album.

While the band is in no way Metal, they can get fairly visceral at times. “My Gaze is Fixed Ahead” is a solid rocker as are “Self Bitten Snake” and “Hell Dweller.” On the other hand, there are several tracks that just meander along. Two of them are bonus tracks, so the vinyl experience may come across as more hard-hitting than the digital. Tracks such as “Million Tears” and “Solar Prominence” start off wispy but come on strong as they progress.

The vocals are all clean. They have three contributing vocalists, but thankfully don’t try to pile on the harmonies. The band also features a two-guitar assault, so, again, they can get very heavy when they want to. Jaime Pérez Herrera (drums) also does a great job in ramping up tempo between bluesy jazz beats and total hard-rocking gallops.

And as far as sermonizing about the climate and such, the band is able to get their point across without creating distractions to the music. It all fuses together quite well with no forced lectures or spoken word narratives.

WET CACTUS marches onward to the Desert Rock rhythm, sprinkling handfuls of peace and fuzz alternating with fistfuls of gravel and grit. Maybe that’s a Spanish variation of Stoner, maybe it’s the distinct flavor of the WET CACTUS, either way “Magma Tres” is an impressive third outing by these lads.