Desert Psych
tagStarted 1990Peak 1992-1998Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Sun-baked, hypnotic psychedelia from the California desert: down-tuned fuzz riffs, serpentine reverb-soaked instrumentals, trance-like grooves and free-form jamming. Atmosphere and feel rival the heaviness; the music conjures wide-open arid space, mirage shimmer and the loose, communal sprawl of open-air generator parties under the stars.
History
Forged in Palm Desert's Coachella Valley, where bands threw DIY 'generator parties' in the open desert through the late 80s and early 90s. Yawning Man pioneered the mystical instrumental side; Kyuss codified the heavy, hypnotic riff sound on early-90s records, seeding stoner rock and a desert scene that continues at festivals today.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Wikipedia: Palm Desert Scene
- Monster Riff: Generator Parties
- Far Out Magazine
- AllMusic