Neverlove
Heavy Water Experiments
Performed By
Heavy Water Experiments
Album UPC
718122037155
CD Baby Track ID
5362285
Label
Intrepid Sound Recordings
Released
2008-01-01
BPM
107
Rated
0
ISRC
usnut0800005
Year
2008
Spotify Plays
835
Writers
Writer
David Melbye
Pub Co
David Melbye
Composer
David Melbye
ClearanceFacebook Sync License,Traditional Sync,YouTube Sync ServiceOne Stop
Rights Controlled
Master and Publishing Grant
Rights
One-Stop: Master + 100% Pub Grant
Original/Cover/Public Domain
original
Country
United States - California - LA
Description
Eclectic heavy/mellow art rock with an progressive/psychedelic vibe ala Pink Sabbath, Dorphine, or Radio Queens of the Stone Head.
Notes
LA-based Heavy Water Experiments passionately resists the tendency of modern bands to revive sounds of bygone eras. While admittedly taking influence from 60’s and 70’s genres such as psychedelic and progressive rock, this is a group who strives to break new ground according to an avant-garde or art rock sensibility. One of the ways HWE achieves this is through unique instrumentation, such as the use of an 8-string bass along with a regular 4-string bass, keyboards, and drums. However, the band never relies on this approach as a marketing gimmick since it also incorporates electric and acoustic guitars in the usual way.
The sound of the band is eclectic and can range from a dark, heavy quality to a mellower, acoustic-oriented vibe. Certain tracks might seem to fit well in the stoner rock category, for example, while others could be deemed indie rock or some other current genre. In the past, the band has used marriage characterizations such as “Pink Sabbath, “ “Doorphine,” and “Radio Queens of the Stone Head.” These are intended to underscore the notion that HWE neither sounds like one particular band nor like any specific combination of bands. Accordingly, HWE has been compared to a vast number of past-to-present artists, and yet there has never been a tendency toward one or even a few in particular.
So far, HWE has enjoyed a laudable degree of progress while still remaining independent. To date, the band has toured the US and the UK (twice) as well as performing a handful of shows in Holland and Belgium. Locally, the band has played a wide range of venues from Spaceland, The House of Blues, and The Viper Room to more acoustic-oriented venues like The Hotel Café, which culminated in being chosen as one of Amoeba Records’ local picks. The band’s debut release has received over 50 enthusiastic reviews internationally, and the album has been accumulating steady international momentum through underground radio airplay and live interviews from DJ’s in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. Tracks from the album have also appeared on popular American TV shows such as Friday Night Lights, and the band’s promo poster appeared on various sets for an entire season of The OC. The band has also self-organized two underground music festivals in the neighboring Mojave Desert with many notable LA bands performing.
The band is fronted by singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, and producer David Melbye—an LA native whose past bands/projects include Ludivine. Fuzz Beloved, and Zanzibar. His creative/artistic partner Roberto Salguero, originally from El Salvidor, plays drums and percussion.
INTERNATIONAL PRINT and ON-LINE ALBUM REVIEWS:
UK album review (March 2009)
Classic Rock Magazine (www.classicrockmagazine.com)
"Picture CSN&Y (or possibly Midlake) mixed with Queens of the Stone Age. Yep, this duo is unusual, to say the least. The LA pair describe themselves as avant-psychedelic merchants, but we prefer the term 'mellifluous stoner rock.' Holy shit--it's a brand-new prog-rock sub-genre!"
Germany album review (February 2009)
Heavy Hardes (www.heavyhardes.de)
“Here, a magnificent and extremely independent sound between heavily digestible pop and drug-induced desert rock is celebrated.”
Germany album review (February 2009)
Progressive Newsletter (www.progressive-newsletter.de)
“The album’s dark atmosphere is the right soundtrack for a long ride through endless deserts.”
Canada album review (January 2009)
Gnosis (www.gnosis2000.net)
“Funny task to pin down an appropriate tag for these freaks (stated positively, that is)! (Softly) stony post-grunge-psych-rock? Proggy-space-pop with haunting vocal harmonies? A surprisingly effective mix of vintage and modern sounds? All of the above? Well, why not, after all?!”
US album review (January 2009)
Sea of Tranquility (www.seaoftranquility.org)
“It is to be hoped that Heavy Water Experiments will be around long enough to deliver a follow-up to this excellent debut album. The only reason that it won't feature in my Top 25 for 2008 is that I'd already sent my list.”
UK album review (January 2009)
Mood Swings (www.mswings.com)
“It is the sort of music that seems to wrap itself around and envelopes you…So we are talking psychedelic rather than progressive rock. And yet, at times I can imagine their music being received as indie pop…I'm on board for the full ride through its fuzzy bass-laden soundscape.”
Serbia album review (January 2009)
Barikada (www.barikada.com)
“This self-titled album is one of most enjoyable products released in 2008, if we are speaking about releases with psychedelic approach.”
US album review (January 2009)
Glide Magazine (www.glidemagazine.com)
“Heavy Water Experiments feel heavy without being heavy. They deal more in ambient soundscapes than big guitar and keyboard flourishes, making for psychedelic trips that get well inside your gray matter before you can be consciously aware of what's happening.”
UK album review (January 2009)
Terrascope (www.terrascope.co.uk)
“HWE manage to create one hell of a racket whilst demonstrating deft touches of lightness and melody on tracks such as “Clairvoyance” and “Solitude.” “Neverlove” has a wonderful riff and a deep, psychedelic heart, whilst the final track “Book Coloured Blue” is a long slow dive into the vortex, the excellent sound augmented (as on the rest of the album) by the use of an eight-stringed bass, giving the album a warm rich texture. Beautifully layered, this is an album of strong songs that becomes richer each time you hear it.”
US album review (December 2008)
Reviewer Magazine (www.reviewermag.com)
“Indie, psychedelic, and shoegaze all wrapped up in this beautiful CD.
Each track gets better and better till it's filled with noise orgasms…I cannot even compare this band to anyone. They are so original and true to their sound. Each pulsating beat and trippy melody gets you lost among tracks and vocals of indie rock personality.”
France album review (December 2008)
Highlands Magazine (www.highlands.fanzine.free.fr)
“mind-blowing…beautiful…cosmic…magnificent…excellent…successful”
Belgium album review (December 2008)
Rock Tribune (www.rocktribune.net)
“HWE is influenced by bands like Mercury Rev, Kyuss, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. The songs are complex, beautifully structured with an ear for detail and diversity. This album will take the listener on a musical journey full of surprises.”
Netherlands album review (December 2008)
Planet Trash (www.planettrash.nl)
“The sound from this album is heavier than the last release—with more distortion and fuzz. At the same time, you also can hear more acoustic guitars. It’s one big psychedelic trip. Those who liked the last album will love this one.”
US album review (November 2008)
Bootleg Magazine (www.bootlegmag.com)
“The concoction is like a delayed reaction, the band’s excellent use of restraint works as a surprise attack to the ears. With each track there’s the expectation of something about to explode. The effect is that it keeps prodding the ear, remaining at ease while making us think something’s about to take off running…Heavy Water Experiments has put together an inventive and rigid ride of funky, gritty pop that serves both sides favorably.”
US album review (November 2008)
Delusions of Adequacy (www.adequacy.net)
“The self-titled debut by Heavy Water Experiments cooks up choice blends of psychedelic, sludge, and acid rock. This motley combination of classic genres blooms darkly sweet in this LA duo's capable hands…this album is a compelling listen for indie rock fans.”
Belgium album review (November 2008)
Music In Belgium (www.musicinbelgium.net)
“In general, the compositions can be described as ‘melancholic’ and are often haunting…they play on your emotions, creating a seductive atmosphere with a rich palette of sounds, which includes some heavy shades…the production quality takes us thirty years back to a more groove-oriented period that is psychedelic at the same time. The results are without any doubt both intriguing and appealing.”
US album review (November 2008)
Adequacy (www.adequacy.net)
“The self-titled debut by Heavy Water Experiments cooks up choice blends of psychedelic, sludge, and acid rock. This motley combination of classic genres blooms darkly sweet in this LA duo’s capable hands. Despite some weak spots, this album is a compelling listen for indie rock fans.”
France album review (November 2008)
Progressia (www.progressia.net)
“Progressive rock and psychedelic art-rock form the core of their musical vision along with more contemporary ideas tinted by stoner rock or even post-rock. The resulting mixture is very tasty and succeeds beyond all expectations…To make your mouth water, imagine the following recipe: a little Radiohead, a good spoonful of Black Sabbath, three pinches of Pink Floyd, a layer of Doors, and then a preparation that finally hints at Queens of the Stone Age. Frankly, the resulting dish could only turn out delicious, and it is!”
US album review (November 2008)
Prog Naut (www.prognaut.com)
“In the past year, I had the pleasure of reviewing albums of David’s other bands, Imogene and Fuzz Beloved, and I must say he came up with his best material on Heavy Water Experiments. This is probably one of 2008’s lesser-known releases, which is sad because it’s a great album! Highly recommended? You got that right, man!”
Greece album review (October 2008)
Metal Perspective (www.metalperspective.com)
“Every now and then you come across a brilliant album by some band that you have never heard of before. That is when words become meaningless and seem weak to describe true beauty. That is the case here. Don't waste your time reading the rest of the review; just go out and buy a copy of Heavy Water Experiments' self-titled album… Are you still reading? Have you still not been persuaded that is one of the best albums of the year? Then this review has failed its aim.”
Netherlands album review (October 2008)
Rock Advice (www.rockadvice.org)
“Jesus, this is a brilliant cd!…This album is a fine collection of heavy psychedelic grooves, infectious melodies and great extended stoner jams. But beware…this is not jamming for the sake of jamming. There is plenty of space between the heavy bass, the acoustic guitars, the ambient keyboard passages and conscious drums for the songs to come to life…Twelve top class tracks, more than 1 hour of great music. David’s voice is so hypnotic, the music is beautifully layered and the songs are so well crafted that I can only end by saying: respect.”
US album review (October 2008)
We Heart Music (www.weheartmusic.vox.com)
“I thought one of the more amusing names they used to describe their sound is ‘Pink Sabbath,’ which is a very good self-description of the band: a cross between Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath…’Anodyne’ is the stand-out track for me. Melbye's vocals come in loud and clear on this track and the waves and waves of guitar and sound layers come up at crucial points.”
Germany album review (October 2008)
Prog Freak (www.progfreak.com)
“If you're into interesting, thoughtful music with the desire to be different both in songwriting and instrumentation ... please check this out, it's really good stuff.”
US album review (September 2008)
Ytsejam (www.ytsejam.com)
“Droning riffs, swirling melodies, raw production—Heavy Water Experiments is a true form of psychedelic rock. While most bands feature electronica overtones and sampling/loops to enhance the sound, this LA-based group has real musical textures to entice the musical atmosphere…A highly recommended modern psych release, not to mention that these guys are an excellent mainstay within the indie/college rock world as well.”
Demark album review (September 2008)
Lowcut (www.lowcut.dk)
“Some are really indie pop stuff and others are really interesting psychedelic rock music. Some of it is quite hypnotic and I admit to being pulled in…the tracks I did like were really excellent.”
US album blog (September 2008)
Heavy Planet (www.heavy-planet-blogspot.com)
“New Band to Burn One To—Heavy Water Experiments: Today, I have an awesome band for you guys to check out. They are called Heavy Water Experiments and hail from sunny Los Angeles, California…”
US album blog (September 2008)
Ear Taste (www.eartaste.blogspot.com)
“Heavy Water Experiments allows me to fantasize what life would be like if
psychedelic music had won over reality. I am in heaven.”
US album review (August 2008)
Upstarter Punk News (www.upstarter.com)
“The new self-titular release proffers up 12 groove heavy, jam length (mostly) tracks. I suggest listening to it in the dark with headphones on so you can pick up all the nuances, and if you have one, fire up the lava lamp and let the trippy jams play on.”
US album review (July 2008)
Music Street Journal (www.musicstreetjournal.com)
“…this is a killer album that’s both progressively challenging and catchy.”
UK album review (July 2008)
Good Blades (www.myspace.com/goodblades)
“…imagine the most experimental stages of Queens of the Stone Age clashing with Floyd. A constantly surprising and eclectic treat, drawing on so many different influences it's impossible to track them down. The genius of Muse can be heard mirrored with the fluid like vocals also similar to those of bizarre French-Anglo band We Yes You No…I want to get lost in the desert with this band, it's a crazy good album: put it on, crank it up, take the pill, lie back, enjoy.”
US album review (July 2008)
The Ripple Effect (www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com)
“…a beautifully layered slab of bubbling emotion that breathes…a tripped out night in a opium den…Musical notes dance through the air like smoke from a hookah pipe…full of heavy, psychedelic groove, infectious melodies, and extended stoner jams, this is the kind of music that you can’t listen to just once…through all of these musical styles, they’ve still made the music accessible to the masses…”
The sound of the band is eclectic and can range from a dark, heavy quality to a mellower, acoustic-oriented vibe. Certain tracks might seem to fit well in the stoner rock category, for example, while others could be deemed indie rock or some other current genre. In the past, the band has used marriage characterizations such as “Pink Sabbath, “ “Doorphine,” and “Radio Queens of the Stone Head.” These are intended to underscore the notion that HWE neither sounds like one particular band nor like any specific combination of bands. Accordingly, HWE has been compared to a vast number of past-to-present artists, and yet there has never been a tendency toward one or even a few in particular.
So far, HWE has enjoyed a laudable degree of progress while still remaining independent. To date, the band has toured the US and the UK (twice) as well as performing a handful of shows in Holland and Belgium. Locally, the band has played a wide range of venues from Spaceland, The House of Blues, and The Viper Room to more acoustic-oriented venues like The Hotel Café, which culminated in being chosen as one of Amoeba Records’ local picks. The band’s debut release has received over 50 enthusiastic reviews internationally, and the album has been accumulating steady international momentum through underground radio airplay and live interviews from DJ’s in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. Tracks from the album have also appeared on popular American TV shows such as Friday Night Lights, and the band’s promo poster appeared on various sets for an entire season of The OC. The band has also self-organized two underground music festivals in the neighboring Mojave Desert with many notable LA bands performing.
The band is fronted by singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, and producer David Melbye—an LA native whose past bands/projects include Ludivine. Fuzz Beloved, and Zanzibar. His creative/artistic partner Roberto Salguero, originally from El Salvidor, plays drums and percussion.
INTERNATIONAL PRINT and ON-LINE ALBUM REVIEWS:
UK album review (March 2009)
Classic Rock Magazine (www.classicrockmagazine.com)
"Picture CSN&Y (or possibly Midlake) mixed with Queens of the Stone Age. Yep, this duo is unusual, to say the least. The LA pair describe themselves as avant-psychedelic merchants, but we prefer the term 'mellifluous stoner rock.' Holy shit--it's a brand-new prog-rock sub-genre!"
Germany album review (February 2009)
Heavy Hardes (www.heavyhardes.de)
“Here, a magnificent and extremely independent sound between heavily digestible pop and drug-induced desert rock is celebrated.”
Germany album review (February 2009)
Progressive Newsletter (www.progressive-newsletter.de)
“The album’s dark atmosphere is the right soundtrack for a long ride through endless deserts.”
Canada album review (January 2009)
Gnosis (www.gnosis2000.net)
“Funny task to pin down an appropriate tag for these freaks (stated positively, that is)! (Softly) stony post-grunge-psych-rock? Proggy-space-pop with haunting vocal harmonies? A surprisingly effective mix of vintage and modern sounds? All of the above? Well, why not, after all?!”
US album review (January 2009)
Sea of Tranquility (www.seaoftranquility.org)
“It is to be hoped that Heavy Water Experiments will be around long enough to deliver a follow-up to this excellent debut album. The only reason that it won't feature in my Top 25 for 2008 is that I'd already sent my list.”
UK album review (January 2009)
Mood Swings (www.mswings.com)
“It is the sort of music that seems to wrap itself around and envelopes you…So we are talking psychedelic rather than progressive rock. And yet, at times I can imagine their music being received as indie pop…I'm on board for the full ride through its fuzzy bass-laden soundscape.”
Serbia album review (January 2009)
Barikada (www.barikada.com)
“This self-titled album is one of most enjoyable products released in 2008, if we are speaking about releases with psychedelic approach.”
US album review (January 2009)
Glide Magazine (www.glidemagazine.com)
“Heavy Water Experiments feel heavy without being heavy. They deal more in ambient soundscapes than big guitar and keyboard flourishes, making for psychedelic trips that get well inside your gray matter before you can be consciously aware of what's happening.”
UK album review (January 2009)
Terrascope (www.terrascope.co.uk)
“HWE manage to create one hell of a racket whilst demonstrating deft touches of lightness and melody on tracks such as “Clairvoyance” and “Solitude.” “Neverlove” has a wonderful riff and a deep, psychedelic heart, whilst the final track “Book Coloured Blue” is a long slow dive into the vortex, the excellent sound augmented (as on the rest of the album) by the use of an eight-stringed bass, giving the album a warm rich texture. Beautifully layered, this is an album of strong songs that becomes richer each time you hear it.”
US album review (December 2008)
Reviewer Magazine (www.reviewermag.com)
“Indie, psychedelic, and shoegaze all wrapped up in this beautiful CD.
Each track gets better and better till it's filled with noise orgasms…I cannot even compare this band to anyone. They are so original and true to their sound. Each pulsating beat and trippy melody gets you lost among tracks and vocals of indie rock personality.”
France album review (December 2008)
Highlands Magazine (www.highlands.fanzine.free.fr)
“mind-blowing…beautiful…cosmic…magnificent…excellent…successful”
Belgium album review (December 2008)
Rock Tribune (www.rocktribune.net)
“HWE is influenced by bands like Mercury Rev, Kyuss, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. The songs are complex, beautifully structured with an ear for detail and diversity. This album will take the listener on a musical journey full of surprises.”
Netherlands album review (December 2008)
Planet Trash (www.planettrash.nl)
“The sound from this album is heavier than the last release—with more distortion and fuzz. At the same time, you also can hear more acoustic guitars. It’s one big psychedelic trip. Those who liked the last album will love this one.”
US album review (November 2008)
Bootleg Magazine (www.bootlegmag.com)
“The concoction is like a delayed reaction, the band’s excellent use of restraint works as a surprise attack to the ears. With each track there’s the expectation of something about to explode. The effect is that it keeps prodding the ear, remaining at ease while making us think something’s about to take off running…Heavy Water Experiments has put together an inventive and rigid ride of funky, gritty pop that serves both sides favorably.”
US album review (November 2008)
Delusions of Adequacy (www.adequacy.net)
“The self-titled debut by Heavy Water Experiments cooks up choice blends of psychedelic, sludge, and acid rock. This motley combination of classic genres blooms darkly sweet in this LA duo's capable hands…this album is a compelling listen for indie rock fans.”
Belgium album review (November 2008)
Music In Belgium (www.musicinbelgium.net)
“In general, the compositions can be described as ‘melancholic’ and are often haunting…they play on your emotions, creating a seductive atmosphere with a rich palette of sounds, which includes some heavy shades…the production quality takes us thirty years back to a more groove-oriented period that is psychedelic at the same time. The results are without any doubt both intriguing and appealing.”
US album review (November 2008)
Adequacy (www.adequacy.net)
“The self-titled debut by Heavy Water Experiments cooks up choice blends of psychedelic, sludge, and acid rock. This motley combination of classic genres blooms darkly sweet in this LA duo’s capable hands. Despite some weak spots, this album is a compelling listen for indie rock fans.”
France album review (November 2008)
Progressia (www.progressia.net)
“Progressive rock and psychedelic art-rock form the core of their musical vision along with more contemporary ideas tinted by stoner rock or even post-rock. The resulting mixture is very tasty and succeeds beyond all expectations…To make your mouth water, imagine the following recipe: a little Radiohead, a good spoonful of Black Sabbath, three pinches of Pink Floyd, a layer of Doors, and then a preparation that finally hints at Queens of the Stone Age. Frankly, the resulting dish could only turn out delicious, and it is!”
US album review (November 2008)
Prog Naut (www.prognaut.com)
“In the past year, I had the pleasure of reviewing albums of David’s other bands, Imogene and Fuzz Beloved, and I must say he came up with his best material on Heavy Water Experiments. This is probably one of 2008’s lesser-known releases, which is sad because it’s a great album! Highly recommended? You got that right, man!”
Greece album review (October 2008)
Metal Perspective (www.metalperspective.com)
“Every now and then you come across a brilliant album by some band that you have never heard of before. That is when words become meaningless and seem weak to describe true beauty. That is the case here. Don't waste your time reading the rest of the review; just go out and buy a copy of Heavy Water Experiments' self-titled album… Are you still reading? Have you still not been persuaded that is one of the best albums of the year? Then this review has failed its aim.”
Netherlands album review (October 2008)
Rock Advice (www.rockadvice.org)
“Jesus, this is a brilliant cd!…This album is a fine collection of heavy psychedelic grooves, infectious melodies and great extended stoner jams. But beware…this is not jamming for the sake of jamming. There is plenty of space between the heavy bass, the acoustic guitars, the ambient keyboard passages and conscious drums for the songs to come to life…Twelve top class tracks, more than 1 hour of great music. David’s voice is so hypnotic, the music is beautifully layered and the songs are so well crafted that I can only end by saying: respect.”
US album review (October 2008)
We Heart Music (www.weheartmusic.vox.com)
“I thought one of the more amusing names they used to describe their sound is ‘Pink Sabbath,’ which is a very good self-description of the band: a cross between Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath…’Anodyne’ is the stand-out track for me. Melbye's vocals come in loud and clear on this track and the waves and waves of guitar and sound layers come up at crucial points.”
Germany album review (October 2008)
Prog Freak (www.progfreak.com)
“If you're into interesting, thoughtful music with the desire to be different both in songwriting and instrumentation ... please check this out, it's really good stuff.”
US album review (September 2008)
Ytsejam (www.ytsejam.com)
“Droning riffs, swirling melodies, raw production—Heavy Water Experiments is a true form of psychedelic rock. While most bands feature electronica overtones and sampling/loops to enhance the sound, this LA-based group has real musical textures to entice the musical atmosphere…A highly recommended modern psych release, not to mention that these guys are an excellent mainstay within the indie/college rock world as well.”
Demark album review (September 2008)
Lowcut (www.lowcut.dk)
“Some are really indie pop stuff and others are really interesting psychedelic rock music. Some of it is quite hypnotic and I admit to being pulled in…the tracks I did like were really excellent.”
US album blog (September 2008)
Heavy Planet (www.heavy-planet-blogspot.com)
“New Band to Burn One To—Heavy Water Experiments: Today, I have an awesome band for you guys to check out. They are called Heavy Water Experiments and hail from sunny Los Angeles, California…”
US album blog (September 2008)
Ear Taste (www.eartaste.blogspot.com)
“Heavy Water Experiments allows me to fantasize what life would be like if
psychedelic music had won over reality. I am in heaven.”
US album review (August 2008)
Upstarter Punk News (www.upstarter.com)
“The new self-titular release proffers up 12 groove heavy, jam length (mostly) tracks. I suggest listening to it in the dark with headphones on so you can pick up all the nuances, and if you have one, fire up the lava lamp and let the trippy jams play on.”
US album review (July 2008)
Music Street Journal (www.musicstreetjournal.com)
“…this is a killer album that’s both progressively challenging and catchy.”
UK album review (July 2008)
Good Blades (www.myspace.com/goodblades)
“…imagine the most experimental stages of Queens of the Stone Age clashing with Floyd. A constantly surprising and eclectic treat, drawing on so many different influences it's impossible to track them down. The genius of Muse can be heard mirrored with the fluid like vocals also similar to those of bizarre French-Anglo band We Yes You No…I want to get lost in the desert with this band, it's a crazy good album: put it on, crank it up, take the pill, lie back, enjoy.”
US album review (July 2008)
The Ripple Effect (www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com)
“…a beautifully layered slab of bubbling emotion that breathes…a tripped out night in a opium den…Musical notes dance through the air like smoke from a hookah pipe…full of heavy, psychedelic groove, infectious melodies, and extended stoner jams, this is the kind of music that you can’t listen to just once…through all of these musical styles, they’ve still made the music accessible to the masses…”
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