The Lunar Effect returns with their second full-length album, which is a glorious return indeed! I’ll let their Bandcamp description clarify this a bit … 

“Sounds Of Green And Blue sees The Lunar Effect expanding their sonic scope and bending all the elements and eras of Classic Rock into their unique mold. The album is a testament to their musical growth and willingness to explore new territories while maintaining the brooding vintage sound that defines them.”

I have been playing this album quite a bit, and between it and the upcoming Pallbearer, the music world will have much cause to rejoice.

The Songs

1. Ocean Queen (04:39)

You know that an album will be good if you’re movin’ and groovin’ within the first minute or so, and “Ocean Queen” will have you doing just that. This track is packed to the gills with grooves, fuzzy riffs, incredible vocal prowess, and a rhythm section that perfectly supports the song as a whole. 

2. Flowers For Teeth (02:42)

If “Ocean Queen” began things perfectly, then “Flowers For Teeth” continues in the same fashion. This one is quicker, with energy-filled riffs and an aura of the Classic Rock icons known as Led Zeppelin, among other influences from the same era. 

3. Colour My World (04:56)

Here, The Lunar Effect slows things down, showing that they are no one-trick pony. The song can be mellow, but that is tempered with some sections that are more riff-oriented, creating the dynamic shifts that make for interesting music; we also get a blistering guitar solo that conjures the more Rock side of Pink Floyd. I also hear a little Chris Cornell in some of the vocal performances. This is yet another phenomenal song. 

4. In Grey (04:37)

From the onset, I sense a serious Led Zeppelin influence, and it doesn’t let up for the duration. The mid-section reminds me of “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” in a big way, and even the lead break sounds like Jimmy Page. This is in addition to some of the vocals pulling in an Alice In Chains/Layne Staley influence. 

5. Middle Of The End (4:21)

I compare this track with “Fear Before The Fall” due to the beautiful piano work. While this is a Rock song, there’s a hint of Jazz within its verse sections, but then the chorus kicks in to remind listeners that Jazz is not the name of the game here. Overall, this and “Fear Before The Fall” are my picks for the top two songs on Sounds Of Green And Blue.

6. Pulling Daisies (3:48)

The intro piece has a Blues influence and some Psychedelia. As things progress, The Lunar Effect provides listeners with driving riffs, power, and stellar vocals. This is one of those tracks where you think you know what you’re gonna get, only to find out that it isn’t mellow as a whole but will rock your socks off instead.

7. I Can’t Say (3:48)

This excellent track brings a huge comparison between The Lunar Effect and The Tragically Hip, a fact that isn’t just about the music but also about the vocal performance; Gord Downie (RIP) would have loved this one and probably taken it as a huge compliment. 

8. Fear Before The Fall (05:37)

This is the most incredible track on Sounds Of Green And Blue. It has a bit of Pink Floyd, maybe a splash of David Bowie, stellar guitar playing, absolutely perfect vocals, and a beautiful piano part. It’s put together so well that it’s infectious, so much so that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve played it in the last week. 

9. On The Story Goes (05:46)

What a grand way to close out an album. But that’s all that I’m going to say about this one. It’s a phenomenal song, and I want you to hear it with fresh ears, not with my thoughts on it rattling around your mind.

Final Thoughts 

This second full-length from The Lunar Effect evolves its sound, and it comes across with grace, style, power, and skill that I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t make people’s Best Of 2024 lists. So get out there and give it a listen on your preferred formats. Enjoy!

Check out Sounds of Green and Blue by The Lunar Effect on Bandcamp here.

You can support The Lunar Effect by finding them on Bandcamp, their official website, or social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

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 most 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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