Smooth Retsina Glow - through the needles eye

​Smooth Retsina Glow

through the needles eye
self-released; 2024

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By ​Dino DiMuro
​

I remember Smooth Retsina Glow from reviewing their 2021 album “Out of The Ether” and also by the fact that I always want to say “Retina Glow.” Interestingly their new release is called Through the Needles Eye.

Smooth Retsina Glow is an indie rock trio from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Their lineup seems to change quite often, but currently consists of Colin Wolf (guitar/vocals), Natalie Expraxia (vocals), Quincy Wellen (drums) and a revolving slate of guest bass players. Recent milestones include sharing a bill with King Buffalo in 2022 and garnering a 2023 feature in Relix Magazine. The band says this album is “unlike any other record we’ve put out, with a greater musical ability from drummer Wellen and vocalist Expraxia to enhance Wolf’s 10 songs.” The tracks feature fast paced rockers, ethereal grooves, odd time signatures, unusual key changes and a dreamy psychedelic mood that’s all their own. They feel this is their best studio album to date.

“Against Any Odds” starts us off with a crunchy unison riff among all the players, leading into a swinging, funky rock tune. Wolf almost immediately lets loose with some daemonic lead work, like he’s stretching his back before a workout. “Fervor” debuts the first full appearance of Natalie Expraxia, singing in a tight coupling with Wolf. It’s based on a picked minor-chord scheme and has the smoky of feel of dream pop. I’m sure there’s more recent comparisons but I picked up some 10,000 Maniacs energy here. The lead guitar has a proggy backward sound like Steve Hackett and reminds me that Wolf can always be counted on for amazing lead breaks.

Pitching even further back in time, the opening of “Never Conform” sounds very much like the “M*A*S*H” TV show theme (and after all, those guys never conformed either!). The song proper is another minor key, wall-of-sound pop gem. The guitars build a gorgeous edifice, topped by another amazing solo in two tracks. And just to drive the point home, “Ralapse Collapse” cranks the guitars up to 11 in both volume and speed a la Metallica or Van Halen. So far this album is very different from “Out of the Ether” but here Wolf does a Lou Reed voice as he did then. It’s also similar in the way Wolf makes sure each one of his solos has a unique and striking sound, as the next track “Lockstep” has a guitar that sounds like a sax or Moog synthesizer. This song returns to the dream textures with another dreamy vocal by Ms. Expraxia. Fans of George Duke might love this track. 

“Mayleen” has a classic rock title and bops along like the more popular tracks by The Velvet Underground. The title track “Through the Needles Eye” is a low, gritty slice of Bad Company-like Dinosaur rock with a cool dropped beat in the verses, over which Wolf sings and/or pontificates. This is all just a prelude to the second half, which is a glorious math rock workout with an amazing build, sudden tempo shifts and amazing drum work by Quincy Wellen (who I should have mentioned sooner!). Wolf takes yet another killer solo and I’m green with jealousy! The band goes into full breakdown mode at the six minute mark, and you think it’s over but the main riff comes around for a final bow. But not quite final, as “After All of This” closes the album with a mellow, Zappa-Hot-Rats style excursion with some sincere crooning by Wolf. Fans of Frank’s guitar: take note!

There’s ten tracks total and they are all jaw-dropping. I’m so glad I got to hear these guys again and this just might be their best! What are you waiting for?

smoothretsinaglow.com

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