Brant Bjork Trio – Once Upon A Time In The Desert

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · September 30, 2024

Brant Bjork is a legend in the stoner/desert rock world. His musical bio reads like a history book. He was the original drummer of Kyuss (on 1991’s Wretch and 1992’s Blues For The Red Sun), played drums in Fu Manchu (on 1997’s The Action Is Go, 1999’s Godzillas/ Eatin’ Dust, 1999’s King Of The Road, and 2021’s California Crossing), played guitar and vocals in Che, on 2000’s Sounds Of Liberation, played drums in Mondo Generator (on 2003’s A Drug Problem That Never Existed, 2004’s Used One And Destroy), played drums in Kyuss Lives/Vista Chino on 2013’s Peace, played guitar and vocals in Stoner (2021’s Stoner’s Rule, 2022’s Totally…, and 2023’ Boogie To Baja). His list of solo releases as a front man and guitarist is as follows: 1999’s Jalamanta, 2002’s Brant Bjork & The Operators, 2003’s Keep Your Cool, 2004’s Local Angel, 2007’s Tres Dias, 2008’s Punk Rock Guilt, 2010’s Gods & Goddesses, 2016’s Tao Of The Devil, 2018’s Mankind Woman, 2019’s Jacoozzi, 2030’s Brant Bjork, and 2022’s Bougainvillea Suite. He also performed under the names Brant Bjork And The Bros (2005’s Saved By Magic, and 2007’s Somera Sol) and also Brant Bjork and the Low Desert Punk Band with 2014’s Black Power Flower.

On September 20th, 2024, the Brant Bjork Trio emerged and released Once Upon A Time In The Desert. The current lineup for this band consists of Brant Bjork on guitar and vocals, Mario Lalli (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson) on bass, and Ryan Gut (Stoner) on drums. The album is released on Bjork’s newly relaunched record label, Duna Records. The band is a collaboration of the southern California desert rock pioneers and alumni. The album features 9 tracks at a forty two minute runtime.

“U.R. Free” opens the record with a grooving rock anthem and lays the groundwork for the rest of the album. The music has a tight connection with a loose flow to the song structures. “Backin’ The Daze” has that cool Brant Bjork vibe throughout. His heavy groove is infectious! It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go out on a long drive in the summer time, with all the windows rolled down, with the fresh air blowing in your face. Super cool and engaging music with Bjork’s chill vocals, as expressed on tracks “Higher Lows”, “Down The Mountain”, and “Magic Surfer Magazine”. The great thing about Brant Bjork’s musical work is that it’s unmistakable. The sound is very original and you can tell that it’s Brant Bjork’s music right away. The output of material he has released in the last couple plus decades is remarkable. Songs like “Sunshine Is Makin’ Love To Your Mind” has such a swagger to it. Mario Lalli’s bass playing is exceptional on this and the bass break just before 4:10 into the song is the proof. The musicians are all in tune with each other on this recording. Bjork’s guitar riffs and leads are quite outstanding and Ryan Gut is a damn good drummer too. The trio really maximize their sound and deliver some ass kicking rhythms.

“Rock And Roll In The Dirt” is a heavy hitter of a song with a slower pounding pace and a commanding groove about it. It has a nice psychedelic twist to it with Bjork’s chill singing to complement the song. “Astrological Blues / Southern California Girl” is another great tune! The bluesy rocking rhythms keep coming at you with this one. The band is dialed in completely at this point. “Do You Got Some Fire?” completes the album with a another funky groover. Surely, The Brant Bjork Trio has the fire! Once Upon A Time In The Desert is a remarkable album from start to finish with these desert rock kings.

Brant Bjork has been going strong for so many years now and continues to deliver such high caliber music. The creativity he has is unmatched and his sound, as mentioned, is super original. There is no one like Brant Bjork and this new band is among one of my favorites from him. I hope this lineup continues and the Brant Bjork Trio goes on for many years to come.