Those with ears in the local psych/noise scene should remember former
Scene staffer and guitarist/singer Brian Miles from his previous heavy-hitting experimental outfit Heathern Haints. Since the group disbanded, Miles reassigned drumming duties to a former Haints multi-instrumentalist and swapped names for a spell-unchecked moniker pronounced, simply, as “totals." What better way to celebrate the release of the band's newest album — no doubt available on Miles' preferred vinyl format — than at a show with acclaimed Kranky Records-approved ambient-punk group Cloudland Canyon? On previous releases
Silver Tongued Sisyphus and
Lie in Light, the band established themselves not as mere krautrock copycats, but as diverse rock experimentalists with a fresh approach to their craft. What separates Cloudland Canyon from the countless drone-rock novices is the uniquely welcoming quality their psych-rock bliss holds. In contrast to Ttotals' tendencies toward darker, heavier musical explorations, Cloudland Canyon should provide a welcome addition to this show. Of course, locals Sparkling Wide Pressure and Black Static promise to hold their own among both psych titans.
— Derek Barber