The Third Eye

Pharm is a power trio that calls Kelowna, BC, Canada home and is a groundbreaking progressive hyper stoner rock band known for its mesmerizing soundscapes and intricate compositions. They are set to release their new EP, The Tower, on December 1st, which is why we are gathered here today. 

About The Tower

The Tower is a testament to the Pharm’s musical prowess and their ability to push the boundaries of the genre. This is one of the main reasons I find their music so enjoyable; it has a fresh feel that makes them stand out from their peers.

According to their press release …

“The Tower takes listeners on a sonic journey through a labyrinth of complex melodies and rhythms. The  EP showcases Pharm’s signature blend of progressive and stoner rock elements, emphasizing creating a whimsical yet heavy listening experience.”

The Songs

1. Infinite Stairway Of Madness (03:53)

There is so much going on in the intro song that it’s almost mind-boggling, which can sometimes have a negative effect on the listener. However, this differs from those times, as Pharm can create controlled chaos that is as pleasing to the ear as good jazz musicians can, but within the context of the stoner and progressive rock genres. The fact they are a trio makes for a larger focus on the bass guitar, which is upfront but not overwhelmingly so, and the guitars and drums sit in the mix perfectly as well. I love the tone this achieves, and the vocals only add to that love.

2. No Mouth, Must Scream (07:17)

Pharm doesn’t throw everything and the kitchen sink at us as intensely as on “Infinite Stairway Of Madness,” opting to hit more of the progressive stoner rock end on this track. That doesn’t mean this track goes easy on listeners the whole time because we get some of that controlled chaos and a lot of progressive playing. Of the three tracks, this one is my second favorite because it’s less intense than its predecessor, but also because of the strength of the songwriting and arranging; having some of the best bass guitar parts on the album doesn’t hurt in that regard. 

3. The Tower (02:52)

The last and shortest of the three tracks is also a compelling musical statement on its own, employing everything that made the first two tracks so great, but also by having the greatest vocal performance on The Tower. Despite its short runtime, this is my favorite song, partially due to the best bass guitar playing on the record but also because this one is the perfect balance of the elements from the first two tracks. 

Final Thoughts

Pharm is one of those bands that stands apart from the endless horde of stoner rock bands, and I absolutely love them for it. The way that they blend intricate, progressive guitar lines and stoner riffs is incredible, and their musicianship is off the charts. 

So get ready because December 1st isn’t all that far away, and neither is the release of Pharm’s The Tower.

Support Pharm by finding them on Bandcamp or see all of their links here.

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.

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