Sunwheel Psychedelic

Reviewed by Daniel Hinds

Burning Doves is a nice break from current trends, harking back to a time when rock was a little more introspective and played with feeling. References to all kinds of 70s bands can be heard, but also to more modern acts like King’s X and The Cult. G.W. Miner is the man at work here and it’s hard to believe he ever had anything to do with the generally awful Electric Hellfire Club because this is so completely different (and better).

“Persephone” is a straightforward groove rocker that sets the stage well. Miner’s voice is a bit soft on the verses, but he really comes alive on the chorus and at the end of the song. His performance is even better on “Hammerblows of Thunder,” which is built atop a great tom-driven drum beat. “Wheels in the Sky” suffers from sounding a little too Zep-like at times-never a good thing in my book. “Lonesome Highway” is one of the albums best, with a killer riff and vocals in the vein of Ian Astbury. “Sleeping, Waking” and “A Drop in the Mirror Pool,” though interesting compositions, are a bit too sprawling and mellow. “Leaving My Cross” has a great metallic riff to it, tempered slightly by the tambourine adorning the chorus.

I think anyone who misses the days when rock music was still living and growing and exploring will want to check out Sunwheel Psychedelic.


- the-plauge.net

Burning Doves
By Bob Nalbandian

I don’t know much about this band other than the fact that they are damn cool! Great ‘70s style metal melodies with interesting, but strong, vocals. Ranging from Trower-ish guitar riffs (evident in the title track), a solid rhythm section complimented by a great drum mix, and great grooves, Sunwheel Psychedelic displays a vast blend of classic rock roots with unusual, yet impressive, arrangements. “Wheels in the Sky” features a great Sabbath-like riff surrounded by a Zep-influenced “Kashmir-groove.” “Temple In My Heart” also has that Kashmir-groove, showing traces of Tea Party, while the tranquil “A Drop in the Mirror Pool” demonstrates classic Zep/Floyd melodic overtones. “Leaving My Cross” displays the heavier side of Sunwheel with a driving guitar riff that is somewhat reminiscent of Ministry’s “Just One Fix,” with a slower, groovier riff. The CD closer, “Loaded,” has a stoned-out intro that leads into straightforward AC/DC riff-rock. Cool and unusual. Not your typical stoner-rock band, what Sunwheel Psychedelic may lack in musical direction, they more than make up for in creative energy
- ShockWaves Magazine

Reviewed by Moser

Sunwheel Psychedelic is a thunderously glorious Hard Rock act, the audio invention of G.W. Miner, who serves as vocalist and plays each and every instrument. I must confess that I’m certainly impressed with Mr. Miner’s musical prowess. The guitars loom large and heavy with grungy blaring leads, and the powerfully gargantuan bass and drum interaction sends shock waves through the spine. The vocals are gruff, theatrical and gothic. I hear distinct infusions of Led Zeppelin, Robin Trower, “God of Thunder”-style Kiss, Mother Love Bone, Alice In Chains, Living Colour, and Soundgarden within the intricate, fully loaded structuring of the songs. There’s definitely a “Classic Rock” vibe all around, so fire up the bong and get ready to dance with the devil behind the closed doors of your bedroom.
- underthevolcano.net

Reviewed By: R. Scott Bolton

Sunwheel Psychedelic is really one man: G.W. Miner-recording engineer, producer, artist and multi-talented musician who once played in The Electric Hellfire Club and the Sons of Midnight. Miner does it all here: guitars, drums, bass, production. Those types of projects go awry more often than not. Happily, that isn't the case here. "Burning Doves" is a fascinatingly fresh yet simultaneously familiar exploration of electric blues and free form rock.

As one might expect, the guitars are the star here, ranging from the chunky, blues-heavy riffs of "Persephone" to the gentle strumming of "A Drop In The Mirror Pool." Miner is a hell of a player, playing with more heart and passion than you'd expect from the sometimes intentionally sterile production; the juxtaposition there is riveting. And the leads are sharp and fiery hot.

But Miner is no slouch on the drums, bass or other instruments either. He may not shine like he does on the guitar, but listening to "Burning Doves" unaware you'd never guess that one guy is delivering every note you're hearing. Miner is more than adequate in every respect here, including the production which is crisp, clear and--when so desired--eerily quiet.

Overall, "Burning Doves" is a great record if you're in the mood for something a little out of the ordinary (but nothing to far) and something a little looser and spontaneous in nature. - www.roughedge.com

Upon hearing the unreleased master MK called it "easily our favorite release of the year." And now with it's release 11 tracks meant to be cranked to the max bring to mind an unlikely fusion of "Electric" era Cult, old KISS, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and a style trademarked by Miner that is unlike anything we've heard.

From the moment the gate opens Sunwheel Psychedelic takes the listener on a no-holds-barred, amusement park ride of moods and attitudes. From the vindictive "Jump In My Face" through "
Rock Bottom Blues" to the grand finale the Vaughn-esque instrumental jam "Sand Grains in Eternity," Compassion and Cruelty leaves the real stripped-down rockers desires and cravings satisfied.

If you like your rock-n-roll without the sugar coated, window dressing that's overrun the music business for the last 15 years, this is your "Diamond In The Rough."

The packaging is equally tight with an eight page booklet and inserts photographed by Paul Elledge, famed for his work with Ministry, Smashing Pumpkins and others. - MK Magazine

Reviewed by Jason Scales

On "Rock Bottom Blues," Sunwheel Psychedelic takes a traditional blues riff to its logical and more modern conclusion with a jam band groove filled with pulsating guitar leads and driving rhythms. On its 11-song second album, Compassion and Cruelty, it's clear the band isn't a cliche blues band that merely provides background noise for the local bar scent. Although never reaching true musical "psychedelia," led by sneering vocalist G.W. Miner, the band ably bridges blues and hard rock, with just enough distorted guitar leads to provide the unexpected twists. - Illinois Entertainer