Smoke Bellow discography

Smoke Bellow, is from Baltimore, but also from Australia, and they are imo, the most underrated band of the last decade. I guess in saying that, it might be obvious they are also one of the most influential bands on me and the music I make. I'm gonna talk about their 3 main releases, "Old Haunts", "Blooming/Middling" and "ISOLATION 3000". I've been lucky enough to see and play with Smoke Bellow multiple times, and seen them grow from release to release, and its mind blowing to me how constant and adventurous theyve been over each release (and also their excellent Inner Light side project).

Smoke Bellows first release(just a duo for this cassette), that I'm aware of is "Old Haunts" and its their most "lofi" but still sonically you hear the ambition under the murky production. The whole EP(?), opens with a immediate ear grabbing organ riff, over time each new element is layered to create a very mystical/ritualistic drone, that sounds sacred. The influence of The Raincoats, Velvet Underground and Too Pure records bands like Pram are clear but theres something extra at work here that is hard to put your finger on.  The build this insular world, that the circular drones and chanting invite you in and listen, hushed and calm. Its the first steps into a fully realized sound.

Their next release, and first as a trio(added a "drummer" of sorts) is Blooming/Middling which ups the fidelity alil but the ambition a ton. Seeing them live during time was wild, they all had loop pedals, samplers, synths, flutes, guitars so many moving parts but only 3 of them doing it. Some shows were these transcendent experiences of hypnotic bliss, and sometimes technology failed them. It was like the work of 5 or 6 people but a 3 person orchestra doing it all. Which was extremely inspiring to watch, especially when everything was locked in and no technical issues happened.  The songs had a new sense of pulse, and urgency. Like their debut ep, the record opens with organ drone but instead of slowly building a sacred ritual they careen into the song, with jagged guitar lines and punding floor toms. It still retains the Raincoats, Velvet Underground and Pram vibe but the more in your face elements of those bands, while still having the meditative feel intacted. Its a amazing set of songs, and after this the core duo returned to Australia for a time.

I'm unaware of how active Smoke Bellow was during their time back in Australia in terms of playing live but with ISOLATION 3000, its clear they honed in, softed the edges and added some new elements into the mix. Krautrock had always been there with the early material but hear it was more overt with artists like Moebius, Roedelius and Neu, with hints of new age and ambient as well. They also between releases lost drummer, but gained a multi-instrumentalist. This is by far their most "accomplished" set of songs. Each song has its own little world built but they all come together in a blissed out and psychedelic listen. There are moments of pure joy thought this whole record, during flute solos or lyrics about saying goodbye to your hands. Its truly weird, experimental and filled with a sense of humor.

So yea, ive kept things slightly vague because I don't wanna ruin yr own listening experience, but hopefulling enough to get you to listen! Smoke Bellow have entered a new phase with a new live drummer and i cannot wait to hear what they do next! Also be sure the check out their project Inner Light

https://smokebellow.bandcamp.com/music