Review: Seedy Jeezus ‘Damned To The Depths’
Melbourne, Australia’s powerful trio Seedy Jeezus, now considered a quartet after the addition of their producer and Mos Generator guitarist Tony Reed, have never had anything to envy of their compatriots, Wolfmother, Robot God or Tumbleweed. Although these bands draw heavily from the psych hard rock sound of the ’70s, Seedy Jeezus musical eclecticism and lyrical humanity of their songs surpass any level of musical style.
Sonically, they are broad and travel in their own way without looking back. From their 2005 first self-titled album (reissued in 2017) to Polaris Oblique (2018), the band, led by the beautiful mind and tender soul of Lex Waterreus, whose stentorian yet warm voice helps define their sound, has been refining a musicality full of nuances and small details that make them unique
There might be bands that sound like them, and this is not only due to their influences, which range from hard rock ala Blue Cheer, Cactus, to the most spatial Hawkwind or Pink Floyd, but also to the unique way of understanding the compositions. Seedy Jeezus‘ discography is not very extensive, but it is of enormous quality, and each album is a step forward in their musical development. A path that seems to have no end.
Think of their second album, Polaris Oblique, as a good example of this. A record in which they explore new sonic territories without losing their essence, that’s endowed with an immense creation between the sunny, the sad and deeply meditative. In my opinion, a highly recommended album for lovers of psychedelic hard rock and for those who want to discover a band that is destined to be one of the greats.
It’s certainly clear that these guys aren’t just content crafting their own albums; they’re driven by a genuine passion for collaboration and exploration. They’re not afraid to step outside their comfort zone and dive headfirst into new sonic territories, and this willingness to experiment is what makes them so exciting. The Tranquonauts project, featuring Earthless‘ Isaiah Mitchell and the production wizardry of Mos Generator’s Tony Reed, is a prime example.
They didn’t just slap together a few riffs; they embarked on a real journey, blending desert psych, stoner rock, and blues into a heady, psychedelic experience. It’s the kind of music that feels like a deep dive into your consciousness, a trip guided by the steady hand of skilled musicians. It’s more than just riffs ’n’ rolls; it’s an adventure for the ears.
Then there’s Waterreus‘ solo work with Sula Bassana (Dave Schmidt) and Komet Lulu as Moonseeds, which offers another dimension to his collaborative spirit. It’s a shift towards something more kraut and cosmic, a sound that feels genuinely otherworldly. You can almost feel the vastness of space as you listen, drifting through constellations of sound. The fact that they’ve created something so different from their core work demonstrates his versatility. The Moonseeds album is truly special because together they created the kind of music that elevates you, transporting you to another place entirely. You don’t need anything else to experience it, just your ears and an open mind.
Seven years after their last album, which in no way signalled a musical standstill, Seedy Jeezusreturns with Damned To The Depths, a profound exploration into their vast musical universe. Here, they seamlessly meld experimental space rock with the raw, penetrating hard rock reminiscent of the ‘70s but with a more thoughtful and alluring edge.
The eleven tracks transcend the boundaries of a mere rock album, as at its core, it’s a poignant narrative woven through its lyrics, a story of love, loss, and profound suffering. Each word is delivered with the weight of a tear, serving as a constant reminder of a cherished love now lost to the passage of time.
From the first note to the last, you’re submerged in a sea of sound, so immersive that it stirs every fibre of your being…
The departure of this loved one has left Lex, the principal songwriter, struggling for breath, grappling with the question of his own existence in his partner’s absence. The lyrical content is a raw outpouring of emotions and reflections. It’s a sombre, day-to-day chronicle, laid bare with anger, depression, denial, and the crushing weight of loneliness. The album doesn’t shy away from the darkness; instead, it delves deep into the complexities of grief and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of profound loss.
Musically, Damned To The Depths mirrors this emotional landscape. The heavier, hard rock elements reflect anger and frustration, while the more ethereal, space rock passages capture the sense of disorientation and detachment that often accompanies grief. The band’s ability to fuse these disparate styles creates a sonic atmosphere that is both powerful and deeply moving. This album is not a comfortable listen. It’s a challenging and emotionally demanding journey.
However, it’s also a testament to the power of music to process and express the most profound human experiences. It’s an album that demands attention, not just for its musical prowess, but for its unflinching honesty and its willingness to confront the darkest aspects of the human heart. It’s a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is still the potential for beauty, for art, and for connection. It is a powerful and resonant statement from a band that has clearly poured their heart and soul into this project.
Opening with Is There All That Is, a track that lays the groundwork for the narrative tapestry woven throughout the entire experience. It’s a raw, cathartic explosion of fury, a sonic scream that’s both intense and all-encompassing. Each instrument seems to wail in unison a chorus of ‘Why me?’ echoing in the listener’s ears. Then comes Golden Mile,a study in simplicity that evokes a profound sense of emotion. Its beauty is haunting, capable of sending shivers down your spine and drawing tears from your eyes. The swirling guitar work is simply colossal.
Almost immediately, we’re plunged into the torment and introspection of Acid In The Blood, a track driven by a pulsating rhythm, heavy with sorrow. There’s barely a moment to recover before being swept away by the agonising atmosphere of The Hollow Earth. It begs the question: how much of this can one endure? Yet, there’s an undeniable allure, a connection to the protagonist, Lex, and his struggles.
The album culminates in the epic seven-part suite, Mourning Sea, a piece reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother, but for a new generation. It paints vivid pictures of transition, of letting go, rather than the joy of new beginnings. From the first note to the last, you’re submerged in a sea of sound, so immersive that it stirs every fibre of your being. These sounds elevate, allowing you to connect with your innermost self, ultimately leading to a breakthrough, a sense of catharsis after a period of relentless suffering.
As the journey finishes, you can’t help but adore it; you crave it because, in a way, it mirrors your own journey, becoming an integral part of your life’s soundtrack. This is an album that brings out the meaning of life through its short or long existence.
Label: Lay Bare Recordings | Echodelick Records | Blown Music And Touring
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
