Most would associate Amherst, Mass with the booze-infused party scene of UMASS, a state university who’s reputation for frat parties and recreational drug use almost outweighs academia. Higher (and high) education aside, many fail to recognize the breadth of Western Mass’ music scene, a range of acts contrasting our state’s rural side like a disco ball left in the desert.
Enter California X, an Amherst quartet with a noteworthy take on grunge, post-grunge, or whatever the kids are calling “happy dissonance mixed with sludgy classic rock” these days. Regardless a label, the band got our attention with Californiax, a 2013 release paying tribute to the blasting riffs of Dinosaur Jr. and contemptuous vocals of Ian Mackaye through their own distorted lens.
Here’s “Nights In The Dark,” title track from their sophomore release of same name. The album’s set for a January 13 release via Don Giovanni Records. Pre-order the physical copy from Don Giovanni or iTunes.