Caravan 222 releases “Country Bangers, Vol. 2” – Dirty Rock Magazine
Caravan 222, a band hailing from San Francisco, emerged in 2017 during an artistic residency in Valparaíso, Chile. Their recent full-length album, “Country Bangers, Vol. 2,” follows the release of an EP titled “Country Banger” two years ago. Consisting of eight tracks that blend neo-psychedelia with cosmic country, the album features standout songs like the unconventional “Turtle Track.” Clocking in at 25 minutes, it offers a colorful and laid-back sonic experience perfect for languid summer days.
Their artistic journey began with the “Universo Paralelo” residency that brought together four musicians and composers from the Bay Area, which has now expanded to include eight members – Mark Rains, Kyle De Martini, Samuel Hartman, Tyler English, Kyle DeMartini, Dashiel McClary, Craig Jacobs, and Jacob Landry. These artists were sent to Chile to work on an album and tour the country. The experience solidified their unique sound and enduring charisma, fusing poetry with experimental folk, psychedelic rock, and American cosmic country music.
Caravan 222’s sound is often likened to contemporaneous groups like Natural Child, Nude Party, Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, or Sturgill Simpson. However, they exude more nostalgia than most, drawing comparisons to eminent acts such as The Flying Burrito Brothers, Doug Sahm, Brinsley Schwarz, and JJ Cale. Throughout their eight-year career and previous EP releases such as “Never a Prophet in Your Own Land,” “Layover,” “Patagonia,” “Sit Back & Stay Wild,” and “Country Banger,” Caravan 222 has consistently embraced an explosive sound and now embarks on a new chapter, infusing their atmospheric psychedelia with a deep sense of melancholy and yearning.
The band’s latest album, “Country Bangers, Vol. 2,” marks a captivating evolution in Caravan 222’s sonic journey, revealing a rich tapestry of emotive storytelling through music. The dreamy landscapes painted by their soundscapes evoke an ethereal sense of longing and introspection. This unique blend of influences and sonic textures positions Caravan 222 as a distinctive force in the alternative country music scene.
In summary, Caravan 222’s musical output represents a captivating fusion of genres and artistic sensibilities. Their latest album serves as a testament to their growth as musicians and storytellers, solidifying their position as a band to watch within the contemporary music landscape. With “Country Bangers, Vol. 2,” Caravan 222 invites listeners on a transcendent sonic journey, filled with rich textures and evocative melodies that linger long after the last chords fade away.