The Third Eye

There’s a new two-track album from Space Shepherds, and before you become disappointed by it being only two tracks, I’d like to inform you that one is almost thirty minutes long, the other is nearly twenty minutes, so you’re getting plenty of great music in a small package. This record is called Washed Up On A Shore Of Stars, released on October 23rd.

About Space Shepherds and Washed Up On A Shore Of Stars

Space Shepherds is an Irish psych-rock band formed from a love of the jam. This new release is their sixth studio recording and is a culmination of their earlier music and the many talents these players possess. 

The Songs

1. Wading Through The Infinite Sea (27:43)

While the name of the game is psych, there are plenty of blues references to be heard on this track. There are aspects of Pink Floyd, touches of Jimi Hendrix, and many influences from other blues guitarists. 

I enjoyed the atmosphere that this track has, which includes a space-psych vibe, and the guitar effects are used to perfection, as are the other assorted effects.

One of the other things that stuck out to me is that the band creates peaks and valleys and these dynamic shifts make for interesting changes, helping the lengthy time feel less oppressive to the ear. 

Overall, this is music made for good, chill vibes; maybe an edible would enhance the experience even further, but the piece is excellent when in a sober state of mind, too. 

2. Void Hurler (18:40)

This song feels different right from the start, thanks in part to an almost ominous-sounding intro. It’s here that the drums really stuck out to me, as they have such a cool feel and tone; I detected a jazz influence to them as well. 

The guitars have a minimalist approach, letting the fuzzy tones of the bass guitar and the percussion act as the focal point of the music. This doesn’t mean that the guitars aren’t important, because of course they are, only that everything else seemed to be out front more. 

I didn’t like this one as much as the first track, but it’s still an excellent musical journey.

Final Thoughts

I’m not a fan of traditional jam bands. Phish bores me, as does The Grateful Dead, but Space Shepherds takes the boring factor out during their extended jams, creating engaging music that hits the soul in the perfect spots. 

Though I’d also imagine that if you like the other two bands I just mentioned, you will also enjoy what Space Shepherds accomplishes with their music. So head to wherever you listen to music, and wrap your ears around Washed Up On A Shore Of Stars! Enjoy!

Support Space Shepherds by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube).

This review was written by Tom Hanno, who has been writing reviews for the last 7 years but has been sharing his love of music for the majority of his life. Originally starting out at the now-defunct Chimera Magazine, he is currently contributing to Doomed and Stoned, The Sleeping Shaman, The Doom Charts, Tom’s Reviews, and The Third Eye. Read more of Tom’s reviews by checking out his Linktree.

Like what you read? Then consider supporting The Third Eye on Patreon.

Sign up for email updates from The Third Eye below: