Graveyard – Peace

Psych rock with a honed edge

There has been a huge resurgence of psychedelic rock in recent years. Some would argue that the middle finger in the face of authority that it stands for fits recent political and sociological struggles. Others see it as an escape from what is wrong with the world today, giving them the courage to be a rebel that swims against the current regardless of the pushback. Peace could not have been timed better for every one of those reasons.

The album opens up hard with “It Ain’t Over Yet,” a fast-paced jam brimming with heavy guitar and screaming vocals that stay in high gear throughout the track. The lead guitar work is exceptional, but not overbearing and is packed to capacity with attitude. The pace fluctuates throughout the album from an adrenaline-fueled rage to a more downtempo and plodding feel. On the latter side of the spectrum, “See The Day” is slow with a somber feel. The usage of minor chords paired with the sad and soulful vocals is almost surreal in its effect upon the listener. Many acts fail to be diverse in their presentation, some excel at fast pace and high energy while lacking in other areas and vice versa. Graveyard has no such issue with Peace.

As a whole, the album is produced incredibly well and is an incredibly fun listen. The fact that the band is comprised entirely of Swedish members is astonishing as it completely has a sort of Motor City rock and roll vibe that was captured perfectly even from across the Atlantic. Though the entire composition is incredible, Truls Mörck’s vocals really sell the show as they are both consistently powerful and heartfelt in every way. Peace isn’t just a great example of a psych-rock album done right, it has the makings of a great rock n roll album in general.