Quest For Fire - (Self-Titled)

Although they haven't been around for very long, Montreal's Quest For Fire plays like they've been together for years. The band’s self-titled debut for Tee Pee is a flavorful trip through psychedelic garage rock, and the first thing that one might notice is the attention to detail with regards to its tone. The guitars are overdriven, but in more of a classic sense, which provides for a warm feeling throughout the album. You could almost feel the heat of the tube amps if you were to put your hand up to your speakers, while patient drumming and angelic-yet-masculine vocals also work to comfort like a toasty campfire. QFF covers a wide spectrum of nostalgic-sounding riffs, while still coming off as fresh and relevant rock by avoiding the tired stoner rock thumbprint through excellent songwriting and a keen sense of their own sound. From the album's straight-up rocker, “Bison Eyes,” to the steady THC-saturated stomp of “The Hawk That Hunts the Walking,” the four-piece never stops pleasing, and all the while, keep you guessing as to when the next technicolored, smokey turn might hit you full on. They take their time with each song, fleshing out each feeling and note and rock heartily, while staying mysterious and stoic.