Free Times’ self-titled LP is a revitalizing breath of fresh air.

Here we have a band that takes choogling fuzz-drenched rock and glides it over a motorik beat as a launching pad for jamming out deep into the cosmos. Crank it up:

With intertwining guitars, whirling keyboards and swooping sax attacks, this is a record that gets interstellar while still retaining its jagged set of teeth. Simultaneously laid back and scorchingly fierce, this is the sort of record that even people who shrink away at the sheer mention of ‘jamming’ could love.

Sure, there might be some DNA of the Dead or the Allmans detected here and there, but you’ll also find some essence of Hawkwind, Guru Guru and Spacemen 3, as well, (in addition to hints of free jazz and ambient music). This Chicago band takes all of these genres and styles, and seamlessly blends together all of their best aspects to create something that is entirely unique and truly their own. The resulting sonic concoction is heady, wild and endlessly addictive. My copy has rarely left my turntable since the day it arrived.

There’s really nobody out there playing music quite like this, so be sure to catch their live set if they happen to be playing in a venue near you. Soon, we’ll all be singing their praises.

Click here to get your copy of their record on limited edition vinyl today.

-KH