The Technicolor Nightmare

Bet you never asked, "what if Sturgill Simpson, Pink Floyd and The Mars Volta had a baby and then raised it on cornbread and bottles full of moonshine," but here you've got an answer, anyway.

Born during a relatively unknown, psychedelic, jam band-laden scene that was predominant in eastern Kentucky in the early 2010's, The Technicolor Nightmare has pushed the envelope of stylistic clashing to a conclusion that feels natural while also being totally unexpected.

The thing is, that conclusion is a beginning in and of itself, the birth of something akin to a new genre, which the band themselves say is just "Appalachian rock."

With a sound more "prog-inspired," these four have pushed that ability to new territory, upping the ante with gnashing distortion, drums that can be remiscent of the sky falling (surgically executed by drummer Joseph Spradlin) and an infectious groove (brought to the plate by vocalist and bassist Steven Caudill) and soul that could be compared to the rock leanings of funk giants of the 1970s.

If all of that sounds a little confusing, strap in and listen. It'll all start to make sense when you hear the undeniable twang of an Appalachian guitarist (these duties covered with absolute synergy by Justin Colvin and Waylon Whitson) wrapped up in a package that is somehow as instantly classic as it is modern and raucous, as epic as it is down to earth and that sounds just as excited to forge a new path as it does to honor the trails blazed by its forefathers.

The saga of the Nightmare has continued - a successful album release livestream raising a significant amount of money for a charity, near and dear to their hearts, under their belts and more to come - the band has opened a new chapter.

Moving ever onward and upward, now joined by the illustrious practitioner of magicks both supernatural and synthetic — Nathaniel Whitaker, who has taken up the mantle of performing keys and synth duties to craft ambient soundscapes, jutting, angular synth assaults and classic, tasty key sections.

If you’re not following this band, you’re missing out. This story is far from finished.