Zen Trip, a Dortmund, Germany-based acid rock trio, has made a significant impact with their debut album, Sun Voyage, released on vinyl on March 22nd, 2022, via Clostridium Records. This album marks the band’s third release, drawing heavily on the bluesy vibes of the 70s, with influences from legends like Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix and early Pink Floyd. The album comprises six meticulously crafted tracks, each contributing to a cohesive narrative that takes listeners on a psychedelic journey through time and space.
March 22, 2022 / release date
Hard Rock; Psychedelic; Space Rock / genre
LP / format
Clostridium Records / label
Stefan Werni (Recording), Eroc (Mastering) / producer
Bernd Krüger, Stefan Peddinghaus, Stephan Makrutz / band members
Georg Ladwig & Dietmar Lorenz / artwork
ZEN TRIP FACEBOOK ↗ – WEBSITE ↗
Sun Voyage was recorded during the pandemic, showcasing the band’s dedication to their craft despite challenging circumstances. The recording was handled by Stefan Werni, with Eroc taking care of the mastering. The artwork, a collaborative effort by Georg Ladwig & Dietmar Lorenz, complements the album’s aesthetic, encapsulating the essence of their music visually.
Sun Voyage is an exploration of heavy-psychout-fuzz sounds, with tracks like “From Outer Space” and “77 Mushroom Man” leading the listener on a sonic journey that is both expansive and introspective. The album’s six tracks traverse a landscape of psychedelic rock, incorporating spacey arrangements and guitar work reminiscent of Hendrix, set against the backdrop of a desert voyage.
The tracklist is a testament to Zen Trip’s ability to blend classic rock elements with a modern twist:
- From Outer Space
- 77 Mushroom Man
- Sun Child
- The Voyager
- Refused
- Ghosttown
This album not only solidifies Zen Trip’s place in the psychedelic rock genre but also pays homage to their roots, drawing inspiration from the late 60s and early 70s rock scene. With a limited edition of 200 hand-numbered copies, the album offers an exclusive experience for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors.
Zen Trip consists of Bernd Krüger on guitar and vocals, Stefan Peddinghaus on bass, and Stephan Makrutzki on drums. Together, they create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh, earning them a spot among the noteworthy bands in the psych, prog, acid, space, art, stoner rock genres.
Their music has been described as a dynamic blend of driving and bluesy riffs, spacey psychedelic arrangements, and vocals that vary between clear singing and distorted speech. This mix creates an immersive experience akin to a desert trip in an old VW bus, chasing the sun across a landscape filled with cosmic dust and echoes of the past.
Zen Trip’s Sun Voyage has received positive reviews from music magazines and fans alike, further establishing their prowess in creating music that resonates with a wide audience. The band’s live performances are also a significant aspect of their identity, having played over 80 concerts across Germany, supporting acts like Ax Genrich and Jane, and participating in well-known scene festivals.
For more information on Zen Trip and their music, including upcoming concerts and releases, visit their official website and Bandcamp page. Sun Voyage is a testament to the enduring appeal of psychedelic rock and the innovative spirit of bands like Zen Trip, who continue to explore and expand the genre’s boundaries.
Clostridium Records is recognized for its dedication to the psychedelic music scene, particularly focusing on genres such as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, space rock, and acid rock. This German label prides itself on supporting and promoting artists who explore and push the boundaries of these genres, offering them a platform to release their music, especially on high-quality, limited edition vinyl. Their commitment to these niche genres has helped preserve the rich traditions of psychedelic music while fostering new growth and innovation within the community.
