REVIEW: A hard-rocking, hazy trip with Replica Jesus' 'Echoes from the Expanse'

Based across Derby and Nottingham, Replica Jesus have begun to make their name with an energetic, fuzzy take on stoner rock over the last seven years, finally culminating in the release of their debut full-length 'Echoes from the Expanse'. Live music enthusiasts will have seen them crop up on more and more lineups, especially after Covid - I'd assumed that this was at least their second album for that reason! 'Echoes from the Expanse' is a glorious rock album, with plenty of punk, psych and grunge elements lurking within.

The groovy opening riff of Everything Rots opens proceedings before they bring the atmosphere right down to an almost trance-like psychedelic calmness. It makes the head-bobbing, mid-tempo riff so much cooler when it finally drops. Its grungy chorus is really catchy and well-done; it really does start the album off strongly. Professional Liar, first released as a single shortly into the first 2020 lockdown, is a fun, uptempo banger with a pounding beat. It reminds me of Marilyn Manson in a way, and its hook really stays in your head. I can only imagine how good this is live!

Headshot has an awesome Kyuss-style vibe to it, though the vocal style is a lot more alternative-based. This mishmash of rock genres is something that Replica Jesus to really well. There's a really heavy pumping beat that this song drops into near the end, and the melodic, psychedelic outro is a really nice touch. With so many strengths to it, this has to be one of my picks of the bunch. Fresh Flesh is a true head-bobber, with an ugly chugging riff and a wonderful vocal delivery that sees frontman Mike spit out each line with pure venom.

Come Back Better is punky, fast and energetic at the start, though has some excellent slower grooves. With its drops into stoned-out jams alongside the fast parts, it makes it one of the album's most interesting songs. Replica Jesus really are quite versatile - they do the fast rippers, the medium-tempo stoner jams and the hallucinogenic interludes in a way that feels effortless. This all lets the album breathe and flow naturally and they're more than capable of pulling out a few surprises. You know what to expect by this point in the record; Replica Jesus have quite a clear sound with unashamed influences from the greats in heavy rock music. Despite this, I couldn't really name any bands that sound exactly the way they do.

Over to the flip-side of the record, Switchblade Eyes builds from a trippy intro into a swaggering rock banger. It has a wonderfully weird chorus that changes key in a way that reminds me of early-mid period Queens of the Stone Age. Next up, Resolution grooves away faithfully in a way not too dissimilar to Uncle Acid. It was released as a single before the record came out and you can really imagine how well it would be received live. There's a section towards the end, drenched in effects, where they just let the chords ring out. It's brilliant, and controls the atmosphere masterfully before they go back to the familiar rock shuffle.

There's a real risk of Lost Transmission going under the radar. It's got a stark, grungy bleakness to it that's not too similar to the rest of the record. There's a sense of spacey desolation throughout the whole song - you get these hints littered across the record in the more mellow sections, creating a strong sense of concept along with the album title and artwork, but this concept is strongest over this track. For this reason I feel it's important to highlight Lost Transmission - it could be out of an apocalyptic space movie. Second Hand Crucifix is also quite a bit heavier; the opening riff is really nasty. It has an epic sense of finality, and as the album's natural closing track, it does a great job in bringing the album to a halt in a really satisfying way.

With plenty of attitude, a high-octane rock identity, and hazy soundscapes, Replica Jesus' first full-length effort is pretty damn impressive. A well-produced album, there's a slightly lo-fi vibe to the overall sound, which fits in nicely with the overall theme of outer space. I'd say it's a cohesive record for that reason, and a fun listen altogether. Pretty much all of these songs are screaming out for the live arena and I'll certainly be looking out for any upcoming gig dates near to myself, and a pint or two of cold beer to go with it.

For fans of all the best in stoner, grunge and heavy rock - you'll find something here.

Replica Jesus is: Mike (vocals/guitar), Howard (guitar), Lee (bass), Stu (drums)

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MN