Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon

Nomadic freak-folk revivalist Devendra Banhart's seventh release, 'Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Mountain', is a largely jam-based melancholic journey that takes in as much Zappa-esque humour as it does early Led Zeppelin folk influences. With his ever-changing band (under the name 'Spiritual Boner' at the time of release) in full support, the record was recorded in the legendary Topanga Canyon region of LA where Neil Young and Joni Mitchell recorded some of their strongest material. Featuring collaborations from Pete Newsome and Vetiver's Andy Cabic, this acid-tinged release is an ambitious addition to Banhart's varied canon.

Uncut (p.80)
- 4 stars out of 5 -- "SMOKEY...introduces a more complex Banhart....'Freely' is as good a song as he's ever written, actually -- a musically mature relative of 'Heard Somebody Say' from CRIPPLE CROW."