Routes - (2012) Land of Holy Dope

Routes, from Chalkida, Greece formed in 2001, but didn't release their first album until 2008. A self-titled debut, released on Trailblazer Records. I remember hearing that back then and thinking it was a fine piece of music, and another great band from Greece. There's a lot of em over there. Spring forward to 2012, and now my ears have been graced with the bands newest offering.

Entitled "Land of Holy Dope", the album is said to be a concept album. With a title like that it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out, at least part of the story here. Expanding on the debut with a more desert rock vibe, and tons of face melting riffs, it doesn't take the listener long to sink ones teeth into this album, and appreciate the velocity of awesomeness set forth here. With songs about... yes you guessed it... dope, getting high, pills, purple coyotes, and even a track about a "Great Green Potato" which is as comical as it is trippy, full of goofy retro psychedelic goodness and a huge Kyuss vibe.

"Land of Holy Dope" is a blast to listen to, and a big highlight for my hard-drive right now, you can stream the whole thing below, or buy the physical disc here.


~Adam W