In our technological modern age, contemporary music commonly uses some form of electronic instrumentation to enhance the quality of and/or express music in an interesting way. Coke Weed does the near opposite. This Maine-based band, featuring songwriter Milan McAlevey and the creakily serene Nina D, distills dark psychedelia down to the essentials. By Basement DJ: Andrew Leider
Coke Weed echoes 60's counterculture, as it has been said multiple times, but with fresh, profound lyrics accompanied with the classic styles of rock and roll. Nice Dreams channels the Velvet Underground's relaxed vocal delivery and shadowy tempos; the same can be said of Coke Weed's debut: Volume One. "Magpie" is the lead single from the album, beginning with a deep tone similar in spirit to "Heroin" by the Velvet Underground and evolves into a hymn that is both commanding and warm. Other tracks like "Sister Springs," "Kid," and "Golden Apples" are bouncy, reverb-filled, classic-rock-and-roll style songs with quick, vibrant breaks. Songs like "Pure Pattern," "No Poem," and "Gangland" can give the listener a chance to relax and hear the crooning of Milan and Nina as they pitter-patter a slow and droning melody. Coke Week's Nice Dreams is an album for that music pioneer looking for a modern revival of gradual and wearied rock and roll with psychedelic twists.