Doug Randle’s Songs For The New Industrial State – A Psychedelic Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up. This isn’t your grandma’s record review—this is raw, unfiltered takes on Doug Randle’s wild ride of a debut album from 2009. Yeah, you heard me right: 2009. While everyone else was busy losing their minds over Lady Gaga or whatever, this Canadian gem slipped under the radar like it didn’t even care. But oh, it cares. It screams, actually. And if you’re into Pop Rock with a twist of Psychedelic weirdness and some Classical vibes sneaking in when you least expect it, then listen up.
First off, let’s talk tracks. There are so many versions of the same songs here (seriously, how many times does he need to sing “Isn’t It A Pity?”), but two cuts stuck out like sore thumbs—and not just because they were good. I mean, these tracks slap hard enough to make you rethink life choices.
Track 1: “Nicolston Dam”
This one hits different. Like, WTF-is-happening-different. From the opening notes, you’re thrown into this swirling vortex of guitars and synths that feels equal parts trippy and nostalgic. Is it about a dam? Maybe. Or maybe it’s about societal collapse wrapped in pastoral metaphors—who knows? What I do know is that by the time those harmonies kick in, you’ll either be vibing super hard or questioning every decision that led you to press play. Either way, it sticks. Days later, I found myself humming bits of it while waiting for my coffee, which says something.
Track 2: “Warm In The Sunshine”
Okay, full disclosure—I almost skipped this one based on the title alone. Too cheesy, too obvious, right? WRONG. This track comes at you sideways, all sunshine-y and chill until BAM, Doug throws down some lyrics that hit like a gut punch. It’s got this lazy summer vibe, but lurking beneath is this sense of unease, like the world might end before you finish your lemonade. The production is slick without being overdone, thanks to Dave Bird pulling strings behind the scenes. By the second chorus, you’ll wanna grab someone by the shoulders and yell, “HAVE YOU HEARD THIS YET?!”
Now, quick shoutout to Kevin "Sipreano" Howes for reissuing this beast. Without him, most of us would’ve never stumbled across this treasure chest of oddball genius. Same goes for Doug himself—he wrote, composed, AND performed this whole thing, proving once again that Canadians really can do anything better than anyone else. Even rock music.
But here’s the kicker—the more I listened, the more I realized this album isn’t trying to fit neatly into any box. It’s messy, it’s ambitious, and honestly, it’s kind of brilliant. Sure, there are repeats, and yeah, sometimes it feels like Doug couldn’t decide whether he wanted to be The Beatles or Pink Floyd, but who cares? That unpredictability is what makes Songs For The New Industrial State worth its weight in vinyl.
So, should you cop this album? Absolutely. Will it change your life? Probably not. But will it remind you that music doesn’t have to be perfect to be unforgettable? Hell yes. Now go spin it loud and annoy your neighbors—you won’t regret it.
...unless you hate fun. Then maybe stick to podcasts.
