Much like cosmic psychedelic music in general, Ripley Johnson and his Rose City Band always meet the qualifications of aural and ethereal jive. Earth Trip is recorded similarly to last year’s Summerlong (QRO review).However, with one key standout feature, the lively natural jams are tripping in a way that says more over finding a space to be, having a meditation. Much like the rocking opener “Silver Roses”, ethers are everywhere and less emphasis perhaps is given to his Wooden Shjips solos, with more on rhythm or the rocking drums like. “Lonely Ways’’ even some keys, while “In The Rain” and “Dawn Patrol” hold up, if still in need of polish. “Rambling With a Day” is a little less appealing, but carries a theme the following also do: “Rabbit”, “World is Turning”, “In The Rain”, “Feel of Love”, plus “Dawn Patrol” also have the hive jamming instrumental desired for. Then the release sets the mood like folk does for the general public. It just happens to be that “Rabbit”, “World is Turning”, “Dawn Patrol” and even “Feel of Love” are more straightforward, pleasingly balanced for better feel than the others.
While all hardship simple living can never replace all psychedelic, hopefully this all comes in a more accessible feel good package the lauded guitarist Ripley intended it as alt-rock scenes always have. Perhjaps right in between releases rhythmically Earth Trip is less Wooden Shjips, but so much more “down to earth”.
