Black Snake Moan // Lost In Time // Album Review

“Lost in Time”, the third studio album by Black Snake Moan, the psych-folk blues project of the Italian singer, guitarist and composer Marco Contestabile, was released on vinyl, CD and digital formats on May 24, 2024 via the Italian label Area Pirata Records and the American label Echodelick Records, with two different editions and artworks.

Marco once again flexes his proverbial musical muscles on this fine recording through a collection of dark, emotive songwriting that demands your full attention. The album’s opening track ‘Dirty Ground’ does just that, it’s a head-turner from the off with its jangling guitar sounds, gargantuan reverb and transcending vocals you know right away Marco is the real deal. Marco’s droning vocal style on ‘Light The Incense’ creates an atmospheric tension throughout that keeps you on the edge of your seat, ‘Come On Down’ adds additional ambience through an organ and what feels like a jarring feel across the track that separates it from the earlier songs, it has an old-school quality that you can only imagine live, the intensity and energy created hitting you right in the face.

‘Shade Of The Sun’ has a beautiful lazy pace and the introduction of harmonising vocals lifts the weight, giving the track an airy feel, ethereal and free-flowing, the melodies soaring, and a welcome palette cleanser. ‘Sunrise’ sees the special guest appearance of Italian musician Roberto Dell’Era on bass and vocals, once again bringing new life to the recording, Roberto known with the projects Afterhours and The Winstons, a psychedelic prog rock trio adds a little magic with his funky bass runs and vocal nuances.

As we race towards the album’s conclusion ‘Goin Back’ is filled with the charm of songwriting from days gone by, the album as a whole really does hark back to the golden era of 60’s and 70’s bands packed with quality singer-songwriters who spilt their thoughts out onto pages and then into song for all to enjoy. ‘Put Your Flowers’ and ‘West Coast Song’ will have you singing along at the top of your voice before we get to the album’s finale in ‘Cross The Border’ where Marco wraps up a beautiful collection of songs with a dreamy number leaving you ready to press repeat and go once again.

If you crave simplicity, well-crafted songwriting, an album to lose yourself in, then look no further than Black Snake Moan’s ‘Lost In Time’ you’ll not regret it. Available now on vinyl, CD and digital formats via the Italian label Area Pirata Records and the American label Echodelick Records, with two different editions and artworks.

Area Pirata Records www.areapirata.com

Echodelick Records echodelickrecords