It’s probably safe to say that if you’re here, you know of a little band from Kiev called Stoned Jesus. These guys have been making amazing stoner/doom music for over a decade now, and they released their latest album, Father Light, in March of this year. This is the band’s first release in five years, and one that they worked incredibly hard on (that much is evident in the lyrics and songwriting…more on that in a second).
The bad news is that, due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Stoned Jesus was only able to play five shows domestically to promote Father Light. As a result, the album is not getting the attention that it should get, and frankly, the attention that it very much deserves. Those who follow me know that I’m very passionate about the underground bands that I support. I can’t do nearly as much as I’d like to help them out, but I can give them a bit of exposure by helping to get the word out about some of the unparalleled talent we have here in the stoner/doom scene.
When these bands slip through the cracks and other people don’t catch on to how amazing they are, I feel it, deeply. It’s beyond unfair to be great at something, work hard on it, and finally share it with the world, only to have it fall through the cracks. Bands experience that, as do we all in everyday life. It can cut deep. The worst part is, sometimes you only get one good chance. Often, the right people aren’t hearing you and/or resources just run out. That’s no one’s fault, that’s just how the cruel world we live in works.
However, even with all the resources in the world, the reasoning behind Stoned Jesus’s recent lack of exposure is even more of a kick in the teeth. There’s absolutely nothing they can do about it other than trying their best in spite of everything (which they are).
I’m starting to sound incredibly depressing, so here’s the silver lining: What we CAN do is listen to, appreciate, and share Father Light. This is easy, free, and truly one of the best ways you can help your favorite underground bands. I’m starting to think I need to trademark that; it’s becoming my slogan of sorts.
Now, about that album.
Father Light
Father Light is incredibly deep and heartfelt. The lyrics tackle some tough issues that the world is facing today, and the helplessness we all feel while watching the proverbial train wreck. That’s certainly relatable for all of us, but it’s very evident that the songwriting is coming from a place of very genuine frustration and concern for one’s fellow man.
At times heart-wrenching (evident in the songs Father Light and Thoughts and Prayers), other times bold and confrontational (as in the songs CON and Get What You Deserve), this album is an amazing record of human experience during an incredibly trying time period. Especially knowing the current situation the band is facing, it’s impossible not to emerge from listening to Father Light a bit jarred emotionally and most definitely thoughtful.
This album has the power to both resonate with us personally as individuals but also helps us relate to each other. And that, my friends, is why music, combined with the written/spoken/sung word, is one of the most beautiful things a person has the fortune of hearing and feeling in their lifetime.
So, let’s go do what we do best in this community; show Stoned Jesus and their album, Father Light, some much deserved love. You’ll be so glad that you did!
