Snakes Made Of Light
Robot Distro, 2025
8/10
Listen to Snakes Made Of Light
This first album from the Memphis outfit Delta Stardust makes for a rootsy and psychedelic 10 songs that’s spearheaded by the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Graber.
The warm spirit of “Thank You” opens with harmonic singing and layered guitars that unfolds across a hazy climate, and “Memphis Tattoo” follows with whistling before Jesse Dakota’s thumping drums enter the cautious spirit.
“Two Questions” and “Having A Ball, Y’all” land in the middle. The former flows with a dreamy ambience that use the mandolins superbly, while the latter is a fuller moment of psyche-rock flavor and Graber’s distinct voice that helps make this the album’s best.
Close to the end, “What The Fuck Did You Put In My Drink?” uses the frisky keys and a textured, blurry backdrop that’s never short on color, and “Sister Freedom” exits with attention to atmosphere in the 9+ minutes of gentle exploration and spacey-bouts.
Joining Graber is also Kilgore (mellotron, synth, guitar, vocals), Andy Ratliff (guitars, Bouzouki, mandolins, vocals), Carlos Gonzalez (bass, charango, fiddle), Scott Carter (electric, acoustic percussion) and Julia Graber (vocals). Together, they make for a truly original debut, where a haunting mood and plenty of swirling sonic energy is fueled by acoustic, electric and digital instruments.
Travels well with: Graber Gryass- Late Bloom; Graber Gryass- Waking Up