Kula Shaker seemed like a band out of time when they emerged during the height of Brit Pop fever in 1996. Their heady mix of retro 60’s pop rock with lashings of Eastern mysticism was a far cry from the stadium filling sounds of Oasis and Blur, but they still hit the top of the hit parade with their debut album ‘K’, thanks to strong singles such as ‘Hey Dude’, ‘Tattva’ and their high energy take on Deep Purple’s ‘Hush’.

Now, some 30 years later and still with the original line up, Crispian Mills and the boys return with ‘Wormslayer’, their 8^th long player. Following 2022’s ambitious concept opus ‘1^st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love (And Free Hugs)’ and the ensuing ‘Natural Magick’ in 2024, ‘Wormslayer’ feels like the third album of a trilogy, and a return to their roots.

Opener ‘Lucky Number’ has a glam rock stomp, a bombastic intro with a trademark vocal and a sense of purpose from the frontman. Next up, ‘Good Money’ rides on Sgt. Peppers style multilayered vocals, it descends into 90’s inspired dance beats and swirling psychedelia. With an instant melody that stays the course, it was a surefire single choice.

But Madchester club beats and rhythms are about as modern as Kula Shaker get on ‘Wormslayer’, as theirs is a timeless sound, a band who are a law unto themselves. They do mix it up nicely, though, creating a diverse listening experience. ‘Charge Of The Light Brigade’ is rhythmically intense, trippy and follows that signature spiritual groove. The glorious ‘Little Darling’ is full of ringing, bright chords, 60’s pop aesthetics and fantastic lead guitar work. ‘Broke As Folk’ is a strong contender with a spaghetti western-inspired intro that creates atmosphere. It flows into a sweet melody, drenched in swathes of Hammond that will surely entice even the most casual of Doors fans. And that’s just side one.

Side two kicks off with a gentle acoustic strum and sweet layered vocals. The song in question, ‘Shaunie’ has Led Zep 3 vibes, which is never a bad thing. The singer’s storytelling is on point, and he draws you in, eager to discover which way it’s heading. ‘The Winged Boy’ and closer ‘Dust Beneath Our Feet’ are both trippy and atmospheric, the former builds into a cinematic mantra, while the latter feels like the epilogue of a film. Both tracks bookend the epic 7-minute-plus title track that takes all sorts of twists and turns. Here, Kula Shaker do what Kula Shaker do best, the song is a riff-heavy groove machine that is both psychedelic and progressive and carries a few surprises along the way.

While Kula Shaker’s message of spirituality was lauded by the music press back in 1996, 30 years later, more people are aware of what is bad, what is good and can maybe connect with a band that was seen by many as a novelty act back in the 90’s. While ‘Wormslayer’ is in no way a departure soundwise, Kula Shaker’s retro sound is as fresh and vital as any new band out there today, and props to a band that is still going, doing things on their own terms, independently and having as much success and fun as they were having 30 years ago.

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Author: Ben Hughes