Sundrifter – An Earlier Time

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · April 28, 2025

Sundrifter is a heavy psychedelic hard rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. The three-piece consists of Craig Peura on guitars and vocals, Paul Goughran on bass, and Patrick Queenan on drums. They have released three albums so far: 2016’s Not Coming Back, 2019’s Visitations, and their latest 2024’s An Earlier Time. Sundrifter returned to Small Stone Records and released An Earlier Time on February 16th 2024. It contains eight tracks in forty three minutes.

I have to be honest, I have had some failed attempts at trying to get into this album, for whatever reason it wasn’t connecting. The buzz around Sundrifter is substantial and a lot of people are really enjoying An Earlier Time, as it was in the top twenty on many year end lists. Each time I revisited this record, I was not in a very conducive headspace for accepting new heavy rock bands. Finally, after scoring tickets to see Sundrifter play two shows spaced at two weeks apart, I decided one last attempt was warranted. I really wanted to dig this band, so without any expectations or preconceived notions, I listened to Sundrifter with an open mind. The music hits a lot of different levels of tones and intellect on this record. The band has a very abstract sound that conveys different feelings and emotions.

The opening track, “Limitless” has a floating style and rocking exuberance that is captivating and pleasing. The drums begin the song as the guitars gracefully build into it. The heavy rhythms and beautiful flow of the melodies are perfect. Craig Peura’s vocals are emotive and unique and they soar out some powerful melodies. “Limitless” has a rhythmic and dense layering of keyboards that suits the song nicely. “Space Exploration” connects quickly off a quick four count. The fuzzy and layered sounds are heavy and mesmerizing at times. The chill drum patterns and smooth vocals are delightful and riveting. The guitars are on a cosmic journey into another dimension. The integration of each instrument is essential to the band’s full and spacious sound.

The third track is called “Nuclear Sacrifice” and it’s a banger! Sundrifter has a laid back vibe to their riffs but they are crushing nonetheless. The swayed back vocals are powerful and evoking. “Prehistoric Liffoff” is a power packed riff monster with a haunting vibe to it. The catchiness of it will take you on a trip. “Begin Again” begins with some scorching guitar leads and rhythms. The music is hard driving and has a great groove throughout. Sundrifter is a full on hard rock band that plugs in the heavy psych and atmospheric rhythms as sonic enhancements. The music has the ability to take you on a heavy ride into another galaxy. The hypnotic and sonic vibrancy of these songs are amazing. I am fully engaged and connected onto this album now as the brilliance keeps seeping out of the speakers. “Want You Home” has an incredible mellow feel with a pounding elegance. The song just gently leads you on an out of body adventure that circles the sun and keeps you uplifted. The band remain grounded in their execution of the final two tracks. “Final Chance” has this phase guitar doom opening. It has a rhythmic easiness happening with the song that transcends into a drifting tunnel vision of transience.

The final track is called “Last Transmission”. It’s starts out spacy, mellow, and trippy, utilizing ambient sounds and synthesizers. The Pink Floyd-esc composition stays subdued and chilled throughout its three plus minute run time. The band opted to mellow things out with a more mind altering closure, which really works great with the trajectory of these songs. An Earlier Time is a rich and introspective piece of musical art that requires many listens. Timing is a crucial component in the discovery of new bands and records. With Sundrifter, a calm head space and full immersion is what I needed. It took me several months and listens to achieve this but it was definitely worth it. Music isn’t always so immediate upon experiencing but when it does happen to connect, it can surely last a lifetime.