France's up-and-coming heavy psychedelic rockers PELEGRIN present an entrancing first single taken from their forthcoming third studio album "The Curse of Nephtar", to be issued on September 4th through Ripple Music.
 

After two critically-acclaimed LPs that earned them comparisons with Elder, King Buffalo and Slift, French heavy psych explorers Pelegrin are back with their most ambitious work to date, The Curse of Nephtar, to be released on Ripple Music (Hermano, 1000Mods, Wo Fat, The Obsessed) this fall.

Their signature sound, built around rich melodies, nuanced dynamics, and a dash of Arabian spices, has taken some steps towards a catchier and heavier direction. Razor-sharp riffs and powerful hooks are to be expected, amid Pelegrin’s typical backdrop of proggy, ambient songwriting.

"The album depicts the tale of Nephtar, a powerful black orb that comes to life in the depths of prehistoric ocean Tethys, which used to stand above the current Middle East. Ignored for eons, it eventually uses its manipulative powers to join the surface and subdue all living things. While for a brief moment, it is hoped that using Nephtar will create an era of plenty for all, humans come to realize that the price to pay is exceedingly heavy and start fighting to break the curse," the band explains.

With The Curse of Nephtar, Pelegrin has created a powerful allegory of fossil fuels and their tragic influence on modern-day events, in the Middle East and beyond. The album draws inspiration from the ‘resource curse’ theory, which observes that oil-rich nations are paradoxically less peaceful, developed, and democratic than comparable countries with no such resources. Told through sound design, spoken word and incisive lyrics, the Nephtar story provides a perfect soundtrack for the chaotic times we live in.

The album was recorded by Arthur Lauth at Brown Bear Recording, mixed by François Roze at Majortone, and mastered by Kent Stump at Crystal Clear Sound. Album artwork was designed by Jo Riou.