Transonic Science – Psychobulb

Out of Germany comes a pioneering Stoner band that even Google can’t shed much light on. Transonic Science – a band name that evokes images of Teutonic Thrash rather than Stoner Rock – have been around since 1997, but a fairly deep internet search reveals only one full length album released in 2001, and there’s circumstantial evidence that heavily suggests there are many self-released albums out there. This is not a self release and can in many ways be considered Transonic Science’s attempt at a big coming out party.

It all starts off heavy and full of groove, very much in the tradition of Kyuss and QOTSA. Dirty and distorted riffing is accompanied by nasty stoner vocals, but there’s something a bit poppy and light that adds a rather unique twist to the opener, titled “Fear of God”. There’s quite a bit of energy here to start things off, but the second track, “Stereo One”, drags the tempo into Stoner meets Grunge territory, and the result is delightful.

Heavy Stoner and Grunge is clearly what Transonic Science is going for and they are doing it very, very well. Throughout this album, you can hear the influences swinging between a whole host of well-known acts within Stoner, Grunge, Metal and even Pop, but the end result is not a band aimlessly trying to find themselves in a mix of noise, no, it is a band whose sound is well formed and eclectic. These guys know exactly who and what they are, and Psychobulb puts it all front and centre in a wonderful way.

Halfway through the album and we’ve enjoyed some really strong tracks, but the real high-point of Psychobulb comes in the form of “Scarscraper”. An intriguing and foreboding bassline leads the way in a song that gathers pace slowly. The drums are tight and precise, whilst the vocal is gruff, shouting and disgusting. Then the guitars come in with a grim addition of melody. This is emotional and melodic, it’s sad, dark and beautiful. Stoner and Grunge marry Depeche Mode on this track and the end result is just fantastic, and exactly what the album called for.

From here on out, we get treated to nothing but top-quality Rock and Metal. “Wildest Frame” is driving, high-energy Rock, whilst track number 7, “Dusty”, brings us back to Stoner-territory. Then the album closes off with “Satellite Blues” and Jaycoon”. The first one is heavy, beautiful blues that very much introduces a bit of Clutch-inspired deep-south feel to the mix, whilst “Jaycoon” might just replace “Scarscraper” as the true highlight of this simply amazing album.

Slow-ish tempo gives off a sombre, dancehall feel on “Jaycoon”. It’s beautiful and emotional, then the gruff vocals kick in and soon enough, they are joined by increasingly masterful riffing with more and more attitude. Then it all dies away and we’re back to the ballad. “Jaycoon” is fantastically constructed and shows an extremely high level of musicianship. It is undoubtedly the best ending anyone could ask for when it comes to this specific album. It sums the whole record up in a way that I can’t quite describe. I have no idea how this one would sound on its own, but it is almost unreal how well it works within the context of Psychobulb.

And then it’s done. An outstanding album have been delivered by these pioneers of German Stoner Rock, I just pray they decide to become pioneers of worldwide Stoner Rock, because I would do almost anything for a follow-up to this Top-10 contender. Please don’t let it go another 23 years until you decide to release another album.

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