Album Review: Saturndaze by Satellite Pilot – A Psychedelic Joyride Through Time and Space
Alright, let’s talk about Saturndaze, the 2016 gem from Satellite Pilot. If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug from an alien lifeform, this one's for you. It’s got everything—rock, folk, world vibes, country twangs, pop hooks—all blended together with a heavy dose of psychedelic rock weirdness. Released under This Ain’t Heaven Recording Concern (which is honestly one of the coolest label names ever), it’s the kind of album that makes your brain go “huh?” in the best way possible.
The tracklist is stacked with gems, but two songs really stuck with me after spinning this record: "Dayzie" and "Hidden In Daylight."
“Dayzie” kicks things off on such a dreamy note—it’s like waking up on a cloud but also feeling kinda lost at sea. The guitar work here is just…chef’s kiss. Like, how do they make something sound so loose yet so precise? And don’t even get me started on the vocals; they float over the whole thing like smoke rings drifting away. There’s no rush, no pressure—it’s just letting you sink into its vibe. Every time I hear it, I feel like I’m floating down some cosmic river where time doesn’t exist. Sounds corny, I know, but hey, that’s what good music does to ya!
Then there’s “Hidden In Daylight,” which hits different. Where “Dayzie” feels sprawling and open-ended, this one sneaks up on you. It starts subtle, almost shy, but builds into this lush, layered explosion of sound. About halfway through, something clicks—you realize you’ve been holding your breath because the groove is that hypnotic. By the end, you're left wondering if you accidentally teleported somewhere while listening. Is it magic? Probably.
What’s wild about Saturndaze is how Satellite Pilot pulls off this mix of laid-back charm and experimental edge without losing their footing. Tracks like “Modern Medicine” and “Moonwalking” keep things fresh, while deeper cuts like “Leave Me Lonely” remind you these guys can write a damn good melody when they wanna. Even the quirky titles, like “I Didn’t Read The Terms And Conditions,” give off this playful energy that matches the music perfectly.
By the time the last notes fade out, you might find yourself staring at the ceiling, thinking about life or maybe aliens or both. That’s the power of this album—it doesn’t just entertain; it transports you. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Elon Musk had this playing during his next SpaceX launch.
So yeah, Saturndaze isn’t just another album—it’s more like a trip you’ll want to take again and again. Just don’t blame me if you start seeing colors you didn’t know existed.
