Xu Xu Fang
The Mourning Son
Self-Released

The Mourning Son is the perfect soundtrack for laying down for—or comin down from—the night. Currently fielding seven members—including former Warlock Bobby Tamkin—the group has settled in for a mellower, down-tempo take on psych rock. Opening with the soothing sounds of oceanic waves in a stormy sea (and used throughout the album for intermittent, watery effect) and leading right into their previously released hit title track, this EP offers a lovely driving groove throughout, highlighted by soothing vocals and softly played songs. “Good Times” is the most dynamic, like a more serene Brian Jonestown Massacre or Dead Meadow, or maybe more like Spiritualized. The 13:56 long final song “Terra Scura” ends in an Eno-esque soundscape—rain falling and thunder in the distance, colored with dreamy, trance-inducing synthesizers. The mix (by Rick Parker, who’s worked with BMRC and the Dandy Warhols, and Mark Needham, who also worked with Fleetwood Mac!) perfectly finishes this impeccably laid back and well-done album. Xu Xu Fang will sing you to blissful sleep.

— Chesney Higgins