Mesmerizing and authentic

The English sonic rock band Our Man In The Bronze Age has released their second album, Hexed Endeavours. The self-produced album contains a total of 13 tracks, most of which range over five minutes. The album follows their 2015 Habanero EP and 2012 debut album The Gallows Tree, but unlike their previous work, Hexed Endeavours offers a greater amount of detail that enhances the hypnotic musical experience for everyone to enjoy.

Our Man In The Bronze Age consists of drummer and vocalist Tom Platt, drummer and keyboardist Jonathan Muston, guitarist and vocalist Graham Hulbert, bassist and vocalist Andi Jackson and guitarist Justin Hodges. Formed in 2007, the band decided to create music that was solely on their own terms, which includes having two drummers for a distinct and strong sound. Now, they return with an album that varies from doom to an alternative to post-rock and stoner rock but includes a great number of fantastic guitar riffs and melodies.

Hexed Endeavours opens with “Intro (The Rise of Bronze),” a slow one-minute track full of harmony that perfectly sets the stage for “The Fall of Athens.” With banging drums and catchy guitar riffs, “The Fall of Athens” continues to reel in the listener into the cosmic adventure. “Midnight Lovers” keeps the adventure going but includes more of a pep in its step with a pop-rock sound. The rhythm of the drums and guitars is enough to make just about anyone dance.

Our Man In The Bronze Age turns to psychedelic rock sounds in “Ramblings,” a nearly nine-minute track. The slow percussions and spellbinding guitars hypnotize and transport us into another realm of emotion. Things slow down with “Bill Odyssey,” a soft piano harmony with smooth vocals and angelic guitars that turn heavy, creating an intense ambiance. The piano takes a bigger role as the album progresses, particularly with “Two Square Meals” and the full ballad “She.” Things pick up with “Hexed Endeavour” and “Coma Haircut,” which offer catchy rhythms and killer guitar riffs.

It seems as though the five-year hiatus worked in favor of Our Man In The Bronze Age, as their creative songwriting skills shine through in Hexed Endeavours. The hour-long collection features great attention to detail in every beat, every note and every transition that amplifies the experience. The album carries a lot of passion, exceptional songwriting and well-rounded harmonies that are enchanting.