Danava

Stoner rock pioneers Sleep conceptualized longhairs colonizing outer space, but Portland's Danava actually sound like the mission was accomplished. This self-titled release combines influences like Black Sabbath's more experimental Technical Ecstasy with the proggy space-rock freak out of Hawkwind's Hall of the Mountain Grill and the intergalactic '70s glam of Zolar X. "By the Mark" lets loose with duel lead guitars a-la Thin Lizzy before the band's rocket engine ignites, launching the song into a heated frenzy of pummeling, algorithmic, math-rocking changes and humanoid vocal wailing.