Transmission from Mothership Earth

Transmission from Mothership Earth
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 22, 2022 (2022-07-22)[1]
StudioHeaven's Gate, Mojave Desert, California[2]
Genre
Length38:09
LabelHeavy Psych Sounds
Producer
Nebula chronology
Holy Shit
(2019)
Transmission from Mothership Earth
(2022)
Livewired in Europe
(2023)
Singles from Transmission from Mothership Earth
  1. "Highwired"
    Released: June 2, 2022 (2022-06-02)[6]
  2. "The Four Horseman"
    Released: June 28, 2022 (2022-06-28)[7]

Transmission from Mothership Earth is the seventh studio album by the American stoner rock band Nebula. The album was released on July 22, 2022, by Heavy Psych Sounds Records.[1] It is the band's last album featuring late bassist Tom Davies.[8]

Recording and influences

[edit]

In an interview with Distorted Sound, bassist Tom Davies explained how his shared California residence with guitarist Eddie Glass had an influence on the recording of Transmission from Mothership Earth:

"Since myself and Eddie both live in the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree, it was perfect. There’s nothing better than recording in surroundings that you’re used to and are relaxed and comfortable in."[9]

He also credited bands including Black Sabbath, Hawkwind, Monster Magnet and The Cosmic Dead as influences on the album.[9] When comparing the release to the band's previous albums, Davies elaborated on how its material is innovative for Nebula:

"It's more just a natural occurrence of the band's sound evolving over time. As any type of artist or creative being, you're always looking to challenge and better yourself within your field. We never say ok now let's write music that’s more spacey or whatever, it's all very natural and organic."[9]

Transmission from Mothership Earth features contributions from former Nebula bassist Mark Abshire along with musician and songwriter Camille Marquez.[9]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Distorted Sound9/10[5]
Ever Metal9/10[10]
Grizzly Butts76/100[11]
Metal Digest70/100[3]
Metal Epidemic[12]
Metal Hammer5/7[13]
Metal Injection9/10[14]
Metal Temple5/10[15]
Reverb Is for Lovers7.4/10[16]
Spectrum Culture75/100[17]

Transmission from Mothership Earth received varied reviews from critics, ranging from mixed to very positive. Echoes and Dust gave a favorable review of the album with the concluding statement, "If you like Nebula at their deepest and heaviest trip then Transmission more than ticks that box – it's an essential purchase."[4] Spectrum Culture praised the album to an extent by describing the band's target audience in their review summary, "If you're looking for a soundtrack for riding your motorcycle into outer space to battle intergalactic pharaohs in their cosmic pyramids, though…congratulations, you’ve just found your new favorite record."[17] Metal Epidemic had a mixed response to the release, explaining how the album "doesn't demand repeat listens from the casual Stoner Rock listener", while also calling it "38 minutes of stoner rock heaven."[12]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Eddie Glass, except track 6[2]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Highwired" 4:08
2."Transmission from Mothership Earth" 4:08
3."Wilted Flowers" 5:19
4."Melt Your Head" 3:55
5."Warzone Speedwulf" 7:18
6."I Got So High"Tom Davies4:47
7."Existential Blues" 5:21
8."The Four Horseman" 3:13
Total length:38:09

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[2]

  • Eddie Glass – guitar, vocals, keys
  • Tom Davies – bass, vocals, ear candy
  • Mike Amster – drums

Additional musicians

  • Mark Abshire – additional bass on "Melt Your Head"
  • Camille Marquez – additional vocals on "The Four Horseman"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Nebula – Transmission from Mothership Earth". Heavy Psych Sounds. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Transmission from Mothership Earth (CD liner notes). Rome, Italy: Heavy Psych Sounds Records. 2022. HPS243. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b c McCann, Adam (July 22, 2022). "Nebula – 'Transmission from Mothership Earth". Metal Digest. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Little, Andy (July 28, 2022). "(((O))) Review: Nebula – Transmission From Mothership Earth". Echoes and Dust. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Fordham, Tom (July 18, 2022). "Album Review: Transmission from Mothership Earth – Nebula". Distorted Sound. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Flores, Diego (June 2, 2022). "Nebula Shares "Highwired"". Ghettoblaster. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  7. ^ Kennelty, Greg (June 28, 2022). "Nebula Streams Sunbaked New Single "The Four Horseman"". Metal Injection. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  8. ^ Kennelty, Greg (September 7, 2023). "Nebula Bassist Tom Davies Dead at 48 Years Old". Metal Injection. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d Fordham, Tom (September 21, 2022). "Nebula: Transmissions from the Mojave". Distorted Sound. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  10. ^ Jones, Alun (July 29, 2022). "Nebula – Transmission from Mothership Earth". Ever Metal. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  11. ^ terraasymmetry (July 27, 2022). "Nebula – Transmission from Mothership Earth (2022) Review". Grizzly Butts. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  12. ^ a b themetalepidemic (July 21, 2022). "Nebula – Transmission From Mothership Earth". Metal Epidemic. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  13. ^ Thießies, Frank (July 22, 2022). "Nebula – Transmission From Mothership Earth". Metal Hammer. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  14. ^ McKenna, Shaun (July 31, 2022). "Album Review: Nebula – Transmission from Mothership Earth". Metal Injection. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  15. ^ Tyler, Phil (September 24, 2022). "Nebula – Transmission From Mothership Earth". Metal Temple. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  16. ^ "Review: Nebula – Transmission From Mothership Earth". Reverb Is for Lovers. July 27, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Simpson, J (August 28, 2022). "Nebula: Transmissions From Mothership Earth". Spectrum Culture. Retrieved May 10, 2023.