If you’ve stepped into a bathroom stall within one of the many dives of Montreal, you’ve probably spotted the circular, psychedelic, bright purple sticker depicting a mystical tunnel. This is the logo of Othello Tunnels, a newer, wavy garage blues-rock trio from Montreal.
Now signed to Petit Village Records–next to label mates The Wesleys–Othello Tunnels don’t waste time on their short debut EP, Tunnel Rock, which consists of four songs of bonafide rock n’ roll mixed with a dash of hazy psychedelia. Based on the jazzy staccato drumming from Jophiel Paquet-Marsolais, and bright yet lush guitar work in the opener, “Easy to Love,” I’m immediately reminded of an old-school vibe from The Black Keys vibe (like Thickfreakness or The Big Come Up eras). “White Roses” is a little more rough and ready but catchy nonetheless with its major-keyed guitar lead line. We’ve also got a face-melter of a solo that conveys guitar player, Linus Heyes’ chops.
“Tomorrow’s Time”– a jam that feels like a cascading wave—is the most psychedelic the trio gets on Tunnel Rock, filled with little reverb guitar lead that then gets properly fuzzed out. I wish I could pick up on the bass from Gabriel Payeur just a tad more in this track because it’s a grooving and walking line. Just a bit pushed back in the mix.
The closer and lead single “Highway” again recalls The Black Keys and a bit of The Strokes. It’s a pretty straightforward rock barnburner, fit for the legions of PBRs that probably inspired its bad boy outlaw vibe.
Tunnel Rock is a nice little debut from Othello Tunnels, who are already planning on a full-length release for later this year.
