Denver, Colorado seems like it should be the second US home of Stoner Rock, the first being the high desert region of California. If NEAR DUSK has their way, maybe it will be. NEAR DUSK is a Stoner/Psych Rock trio out of the mile high city. On October 28, 2022 they released their second full-length album, "Through the Cosmic Fog." It pretty much meets every criterion of Stoner/Psych there is-except spaceships. No space ships. But other than spaceships, it meets all the criteria. And witches. No witches. Shit. Okay, but plenty of cars, drugs, righteous violence, and deep reflections about life, death, and the roads we travel.

NEAR DUSK formed in 2017. They released one EP and a single and then swept them all up in a self-titled debut LP in 2018. During the year of our plague, they conceived the songs that would comprise their sophomore album and here we are today. If you like Stoner, Psych, or Desert Rock/Metal, you have every reason to love this band and this album. Groovy melodies, clean and subdued vocals, and a rhythm section that is tighter than a ripe bud in a crisp Zig-Zag.

"Through the Cosmic Fog" has eight fat tracks. No interludes, intros, or outros. There is one instrumental, "Cosmic Fog." It might be the best track on the album. Nothing against the other tracks, it's just a really good song. Another standout track is "The Way it Goes"-a little reminiscent of "Desert Cruiser" (TRUCKFIGHTERS) minus the meandering bits-which is probably why I like it so much. The song is also blessed with one well-placed "motherfucker" near the end. I don't know, but a guttural, non-gratuitous MF'er can really add some viscera to a song, or even a movie scene. Ask Samuel L. Jackson.

Third on my list of favored tracks is "EMFD" inspired by the 70's car chase movie, "Eat My Dust" starring none other than a very young Ron Howard. "Roses of Durban" is also a nice piece. Not a hard rockin' slot, but heart-felt vocals and soul-wrenching lead work by Matthew Orloff. Apparently, it was written as a nod to the passing away of a loved one. This track is as real as they get.

The best thing about NEAR DUSK is actually four things. Each band member-that's three-and their incredible synchronic vibe. Not sure if this comes down to the fact that two of the members are brothers, but there is an inherent precision and consistency with these lads which is undeniable. That and Kellen McInerney is just a hell of bass player. This guy does not hide behind anything.

Okay, it's a new year and all that but maybe the best way to bring in the new is by catching up with some things you might have missed. Like NEAR DUSK and "Through the Cosmic Fog." This album is as fine as a 351 on an open highway with the top down and Jesus on the dashboard.
A full round of 8's for this one.