A special album doesn’t serve as merely a spot of relaxing entertainment, it’s an experience. The debut long player from Melbourne’s the Sand Pebbles is an enchanting, all encompassing journey you’ll never forget. Influenced by psychedelic pop, Krautrock, post-rock, dub, breathy oriental instrumentation and desolate Morricone soundscapes, the Sand Pebbles combine dense and hypnotic guitar, string synth, vibes, loops, Mellotron and strings and brass (arranged by Clare Moore) to concoct a syrupy brew that drags the listener in, throws them around, enlightens, soothes and then spits them out. Recorded on a portable 8-track in a living room, production techniques such as panning and effect pedals enhance the atmosphere and sense of space. Whether it’s the sensual pop, led by Andrew Tanner’s falsetto, of ‘My Sensation’ or ‘Moving Too Fast’, or the eight minute psychedelic instrumental of ‘Charmed’, the Sand Pebbles’ approach is visionary, sophisticated, subtle and spiritual. It’s all held together by themes of temptation, hedonism, and regret. Best played through headphones or on a surround sound stereo.

- Patrick Donovan