The Deep River Collective

Passers-by could have easily mistaken psych-rock quartet The Deep River Collective for some classic stoner outfit from last century (or even Tame Impala a little closer to home) as they served up an accomplished example of modern day psychedelica that simultaneously chilled spines and liquefied thoughts, capturing the drug-addled essence of the ‘60s and ‘70s with guitars that led ears past normal aural boundaries and drums that tethered punters to conscious planes with hypnotically precise rhythms. Veering from stuporous, chiming chants to a maelstrom of movement with no visible join, the creeping menace of titular tune Lost Control (Long Ago) stood-out as a highlight in their thoroughly solid set, as the quixotic quartet’s harmonious and cohesive vision found lead singer Duncan Strachan’s magnetic vocals ably supported by Sean Thomas’ versatile drumming, James Dolin’s keyboard-driven echoes, Luke Gaynor’s growling basslines and a few extraneous guests who contributed ritualistic bongo rhythms. Whilst there are certainly a lot of other bands traversing a similar reverb-soaked path these days, The Deep River Collective’s natural ability to enhance their musical ideas with first-class arrangements marks them as a cut above the majority of their “psychedelic groove rock” peers. Although taking in elements of grunge, shoegaze and psychedelica, the talented outfit’s sound arguably owes most to post-rock, and while lengthier tracks Phase Jam and Pipedream felt like they could descend into epic hour-long jams, their loud, uncomplicated bass maintained a steady rock beat throughout the work, saving the musicians from delving into the hippier-than-thou pretension that makes so many of their peers sound weak and studied. Sonically dense and utterly propulsive, Friday’s show was a brilliant window into what local punters can expect from an outfit bound to be one of 2011’s most hyped local bands. - Xpress

"The Deep River Collective served up an accomplished example of modern day psychedelica that simultaneously chilled spines and liquified thoughts, capturing the drug-addled essence of the 60's and 70's with guitars that led ears past normal aural boundaries and drum that tethered punters to conscious planes with hypnotically precise rhythms."

"Veering from stuporous chiming chants to a maelstrom of movement with no visible join, the creeping menace of titular tune 'Lost Control, Long Ago' stood out as a highlight in their thoroughly solid set."

"While there are certainly a lot of other bands traversing a similar reverb-soaked path these days, The Deep River Collective's natural ability to enhance their musical ideas with first class arrangements marks them a 'cut above' the majority of their psychedelic groove-rock peers."

"Sonically dense and utterly propulsive Friday's show was a brilliant window into what local punters can expect from an outfit bound to be one of 2011's most hyped local bands." - X-Press Magazine