Austin heavy psych trio The Well lean deeply into psychedelia on Other Girls, a track from their fourth studio album, …And Flames Ran Like Living Animals. Its considerable weight is balanced by a melodic pull that feels timeless, carrying the band’s familiar character into a more expansive and carefully considered space.
The album follows 2019’s Death & Consolation and reflects the intense emotional extremes of the years between them. Vocalist and guitarist Ian Graham describes it as the band’s most diverse record. "I think it’s our most diverse album because it’s packed with the intense emotional peaks and valleys that have defined the last 6 or 7 years. It’s been a wild ride, so of course this album reflects it.”
Rather than forcing new material into existence, The Well take the opportunity to work without urgency. Vocalist and bassist Lisa Alley recalls approaching each song with the care given to their debut.
"We decided, or embraced the opportunity to be able, to not rush it. To treat these first new songs with care. We emerged more contemplative, maybe… deliberate. Recalling the spirit with which we approached our first album, we spent time with the mood of each song, the dynamics, the storytelling, but we also came at them with the intent that they be played live.” She continues "We were building a live set, more precious after the time away from that possibility.”
Released through Spaceflight Records, …And Flames Ran Like Living Animals captures a band moving deliberately while retaining the dynamism that made them an unmistakable force in current heavy rock.
Photo by Isaiah Castillo @zay.creator
ZR