When you clicked on this article, you were entering into an agreement, of which you are the prime beneficiary: you’re here to listen to some fucking great music, and we’re here to give it to you. Got it? We good on this formula? Alright, then let’s get the gears in motion.
The spectrum of our premieres ranges wide, and often times we’ll take a chance with some odd nonsense that doesn’t strike the soul or set your veins on fire. This is no such song. The latest offering from Luna Sol, the new high-mountain rock project from Hermano guitarist Dave Angstrom, “December” is a Sabbath-channeling churner of impending doom that features guest vocals from Angstrom’s Hermano bandmate John Garcia of Kyuss and Vista Chino.
Ready for this shit? Tear into the stompin, squealin, fucking riotous good time of “December” exclusively on Crave – a taste of what’s to come from their debut LP Blood Moon, which hits on 4/20 (pre-order) and also features a guest spot from Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age).
Luna Sol frontman/guitarist Dave Angstrom offered the following to Crave readers on the track:
“December” was one of the initial songs I wrote for what ultimately became Luna Sol. I wrote it while living in Kentucky, in my hometown of Lexington, while jamming with my friends Steve Earle (Hermano, Afghan Whigs) and Davie Mac (Hank Williams III)—I freaking LOVE Steve Earle, and Davie rocks, too! I was a massive KISS fan when I was young, and I’ve always been a huge fan of the simplicity of their early tunes. I may have actually been channeling early Gene and Ace though my Les Paul when the initial riff for “December” started coming through. That or Steve Earle might have slipped something in my coffee—I would’t hold that past—or against!—him.
Really “December” was just an easy riff that felt good to me—slunk down LP, drop C# tuning and a Marshall stack. I try to find riffs that feel and sound like me when I begin to write a song, and this one felt right. Plus, it had a dark vibe that I’d been moving toward in my writing. I was hooked quickly by what came together. I wrote the riffs in a few minutes and let it go.
The lyrics for the song really developed as I was thinking about my Dad fighting and leading troops into battle as a Marine when he was very young. It’s something he doesn’t speak about much, but when he does, it always seems to carry a blend of heaviness, darkness, pride and commitment to our country. The lyrics are more about the emotions I heard from his stories than actual stories he told—I didn’t want to be specific, since he’s very guarded about much of it.
When I moved to Colorado and began Luna Sol, we kicked “December” around, and it immediately felt right so we set decided to put it on Blood Moon. Tracking it with [producer/engineer] David Prasse was easy. He understood the natural vibe we wanted and helped us capture it. Prasse rules. I love Shannon’s intro bass track on the song—she’s so punk rock and her tone kills me. Pat’s drum vibe on “December” really drives the riff which makes me smile miles wide, and Shanda—I think Shanda literally kicked someone in the ass when they walked in front of her while she was recording her part. The whole band and David really hit this one hard in single takes—it all really helped bring the vibe to life. I was stoked. Playing in Luna Sol rules. This song is a perfect example of how we gel as friends.
After we tracked the basic tracks for the song, I went to Palm Springs to work with John Garcia and Dandy Brown on John’s solo project. I asked Johnny then if he would sing on “December” with me. I explained the personal aspect of the song and he dug it all. He went into Harper Hugs kickass studio in ThunderUnderground and laid down his vocals one afternoon while he was completing his solo record. It always blows me away to hear his voice over anything I’ve done. He has the most badass voice in rock & roll for sure and he’s a kickass guy. I’m lucky to be friends with such great and talented people. John actually added a very personal piece to the song that remains between friends. It was a true gift from a true friend and referenced someone I care about deeply. I’ll leave it at that. But I hear it every time I hear the track, and I am humbled and grateful. I think about my Dad every time I hear or play this song, too. My Dad is an amazing man and I am honored to be his son. I hope you guys dig the track, and the album. Rock is good. Cheers.
– Dave Angstrom
Keep up with Luna Sol at their official site, as well as on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to pre-order Blood Moon right here.
Photo by Colin Farrell
