From distant planets, orbiting forgotten suns and having settled in Wrocław, Poland, Prąd bring their unique blend of Post-Punk tone and wailing, somber vocals and Stoner/Doom rhythm and bass lines. These Spacerockers have traveled the ethos in search of that great sound that will set them apart. Taking inspiration from the early Soviet Space Program, Cold Wave, Stoner Rock, and all things Sci-Fi, Prąd offer a one-way ticket into the void. On their latest outing, Octotanker, the journey into the unknown vastness of space meets the hidden horrors within one’s own psyche. Released September 23rd on Galactic Smokehouse Records, Octotanker is sure to lead the path into the unexplored.
Opening Octotanker is “Bring Me The Head Of Nurse Hatchett” and the Post-Punk and Cold Wave vibes are immediately felt. The dark groove and fuzzy, echoed guitar mope about before picking up into a heavier, punching second half. The title-track “Octotanker” delivers more echoed, Post-Punk guitar perfectly suited for the head hanging low two-step dance along. While it does pick up a bit in the tempo, the sludgy delivery keeps this gloomy song in that sweet spot for gray skies and complacent solitude. “Conan The Astronaut 2” as the ethereal guitar one would expect of a song with “Astronaut” in the name. While the previous songs stayed grounded, albeit hollowed ground, this one achieves lift off with no intent of a return trip.
The bass intro/main riff on “Nothing We Know Can Remain” has a solid groove and killer tone. It has punch without being over-saturated with effects. The squealing, feedback fueled, and big sounding guitars push this one further into the cosmos of Sabbath Worship. This one doesn’t forget about the long journey through the riff-filled land! Keeping in theme, “I Look Into The Sky” is dark and distant. A bit of a return to the earlier sounds of the album, where Waves and Gazes were at the forefront. Although it feels stripped down and slower, upon a keen listen, the bass groove at times, takes off into other realms.
“Starflow Distraction” is a cosmonaut’s dream. It gives the feeling of floating along, weightless in the vastness of outer space, but also devolves into chaos of sights and sounds in a way only Kubrick could surpass. Visions of color pass by at hyper speed, leaving the safety of home far, far behind for the uncharted territory of Heavy Psych. “Lunar Sea” continues this intergalactic adventure, with a slower and deeper approach. The unknown elements of space reach into the equally foreign depths of the sea. The heavy riffs of the mid-to-close binds a weight, that sinks the listener further into the void until up is down, left is right, and all is lost.
To close out Octotanker, “Aokigahara” continues into the orbit of Psychedelic Rock and the expedition of groove. The bass, like many others on this album, is to be carefully listened to, as it is not contented to being a simple rhythm. The bass is the fuel of the rockets and the very heart of the journey that is Octotanker.
Octotanker is out now and streaming on all major platforms. CDs are available from Prąd directly on Bandcamp, or from Galactic SmokeHouse Records.
Check out the video for “Octotanker below!