The only ones who may be of “sound mind” on the sludgy, epic psych-rock effort from L.A.‘s Ancestors is the band’s label, Tee Pee. After all, they’re the ones who were able to swoop in on this five-piece and release this gargantuan record. Don’t be fooled, though: Nothing can be found on this record of the peaceful, meditated mindset that the title’s state of consciousness suggests. Instead, Ancestors have crafted what is a soundtrack to the last half of The Neverending Story. You know the part. It’s when the “nothing” is coming and shit starts to hit the fan for Atreyu and company. Okay, maybe that’s just too nerdy of a reference.

Try this: It’s pretty evident the members of Ancestors have killer record collections. However, instead of just rehashing its favorite parts of those ‘60s and ‘70s stoner/psych/Kraut/long-haired, cross-bearing, and leather vest-sporting bands, Ancestors have carefully taken its influences and blown some hash-filled life into them, creating a recognizable but not immediately derivative sound. Heavy but paced, focused but loose, Of Sound Mind is a well-balanced, black-tidal-wave of rock and psychedelics that surprisingly walks a vigilant line between genres, preventing it from becoming too stooped in the past or too math-y and technical. Guys, grow out your beards out and freak out your neighbors, Ancestors have arrived.