While the literary world remains fixated on The Odyssey, music fans should be paying closer attention to the Odyssey Cult. Spearheaded by the prolific Ethan Miller—known for his work with Comets On Fire, Howlin Rain, and Heron Oblivion—the project has evolved significantly since its inception. While the first two installments, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, were largely solo efforts released in 2017, the project has now blossomed into a sprawling psych supergroup.
For the newly released Vol. 3, Miller has assembled a formidable lineup of underground rock talent to bring his fuzzed-out, expansive visions to life. The foundation of the record was laid by Miller alongside his Comets On Fire bandmate Ben Flashman on bass and Carlton Melton’s Anthony Taibi on keys. The ensemble grew further with the addition of legendary drummer Steve Shelley, known for his work with Sonic Youth and his ongoing collaboration with Miller in Orcutt Shelley Miller.
The sonic palette of the album is further enriched by the contributions of saxophonist Zoh Amba, whose skronking textures add a layer of intensity to the mix. The record also features guest appearances from a stellar cast of musicians, including Brigid Dawson of Osees, Paula Frazer of Tarnation, and Inna Showalter of Magic Fig.
The resulting music is a masterclass in contrast: raw yet grand, melodic yet noisy, and deeply familiar yet exploratory. While it may not reinvent the wheel of psychedelic rock, it captures a specific, visceral energy that hits the mark. For those who have followed the various configurations of these artists over the years, Vol. 3 offers a brain-frying experience that rewards deep listening.
Vol. 3 is available now via Silver Current.
