Evidently a few prog-minded Canadian hippies got together way back in 1997 to form the first incarnation of MAD KING LUDWIG. And (unless you're EXODUS or Eric Johnson) eight years seems like a very long time to concoct a debut disc. It isn't clear whether MKL was a primary focus or casual side project all that time, but it doesn't really matter because it was worth the wait. This is one of the most stimulating and pleasurable listening experiences I've encountered all year.

These folks are the Roger Waters and Peter Gabriels of tomorrow, working behind the counter at your local office supply store or serving drinks at the Caribou Cafe. The album is a flawless connect-the-dots of stoner rock, post-grunge, and 70s prog. Virtually every track is an epic of pulsing, sweet groovy fuzz adorned with clarinets, flutes, and female vocals. Wait! Stay with me...there's nary a trace of that trendy EVANESCENCE or NIGHTWISH-copping here. In fact, the vocals of Sophie Bourassa recall Kate Pierson (B-52s) first and foremost. The bass tones buzz with a dead-on finger-plucked 70s ballsiness (think "One of These Days") seldom encountered in undiluted form these days. "Tumbleweed" is pure grunge and crazy stickwork. And it's very tough not to get drawn in by "Aqaba", dueling bass and flute melodies fluttering around each other like playful birds. At other times, driving wall-of-sound rhythms (check out "Double Barrel" ) recall straight-up KYUSS moments like "Greenmachine".

As an album, "Mad King Ludwig" is the perfect treat for any skeptical hemp sweater-wearing collector that stopped buying new music ten years ago. It's PJ Harvey, Josh Homme, and Ben Shepherd playing AMON DUUL II covers in a cozy club with perfect acoustics. Incredible.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.madkingludwig.com

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