Psychlona is a leading force in the modern British desert rock scene. Hailing from Bradford, West Yorkshire, the band formed in 2016 and has rapidly ascended the ranks of stoner rock by blending the sun-drenched fuzz of the California desert with the gritty, melodic sensibilities of Northern England.
Band Overview
- Origin: Bradford, England, UK
- Formed: 2016
- Genre: Stoner Rock / Desert Rock / Psychedelic Rock
- Key Influences: Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Hawkwind, and early Black Sabbath.
- Label: Magnetic Eye Records
History & Creative Journey
The band emerged from the ashes of various local Yorkshire bands, quickly finding their groove with an emphasis on massive riffs and interstellar atmosphere.
- Early Success: Their second album, Venus Skytrip (2020), was a breakout hit in the underground, landing at #1 on the Doom Charts and selling out multiple pressings.
- Evolution: While they began as a more traditional stoner rock outfit, they have increasingly incorporated “space-rock” elements—trippy synths and sprawling, jam-oriented sections that evoke a sense of cosmic travel.
- The “Warped Vision” Era (2024–2026): After signing with Magnetic Eye Records, the band underwent a significant lineup shift in 2023, which injected a fresh, more aggressive energy into their songwriting.
Latest Album: Warped Vision
Released on September 27, 2024, Warped Vision has been widely hailed as the band’s masterpiece.
- Sound: The album is described as “thick-stringed,” featuring a warmer, more organic production than their previous efforts. It balances heavy-lurching riffs with “technicolor” psychedelic trips.
- Key Tracks:
- Jasmine: A bass-heavy, fuzzed-out anthem that has become their new signature track.
- Let’s Go: A high-energy, classic desert rock “drive” song.
- Topanga: A track that highlights the band’s new rhythmic tightness.
Current Lineup (2026)
The current “power quartet” has been stable since the recording of Warped Vision:
- Phil Hey: Lead Vocals, Guitars (Founding member)
- Martin Wiseman: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals (Joined 2023)
- Ian “Izak” Buxton: Bass (Joined 2023)
- Scott Frankling: Drums (Founding member)
2026 European Spring Tour
Psychlona is currently on the road for their “European Spring Tour 2026,” an intensive 18-date headline run across the continent.
- Notable Dates:
- March 6: Garagen, Cologne (DE)
- March 8: Goldener Salon (Hafenklang), Hamburg (DE)
- March 11: Chemiefabrik, Dresden (DE)
- March 12: KuBa, Jena (DE)
Note on Denmark: Psychlona has a strong connection to Denmark, having famously performed at Esbjerg Fuzztival and Stengade (Copenhagen) in previous years. While no Danish dates are confirmed for the March 2026 run yet, they are frequently added to the Scandinavian festival circuit (like A Colossal Weekend) later in the year.