the vintage caravan - portals

The Vintage Caravan: Portals (2025)

The Vintage Caravan would never have popped up on my radar were it not for Mikael Åkerfeldt’s appearance. And truth be told, his contribution is my favorite thing about Portals, the Icelandic trio’s sixth full-length of stoner progressive rock. I mean, you took one look at the band’s photo, saw that hat, and probably guessed the vibe from that, right? But if you guessed that, you probably also know that’s my weakness, my comfort food. Happily, even though the Åkerfeldt track is the highlight, the rest of the album ain’t too shabby, either.

Continue reading “The Vintage Caravan: Portals (2025)”

(Un)Focused Definition Ep. 70: Reunions

I’m writing this Thursday instead of my usual Saturday morning. Today I’m leaving for a wedding on my side of the family, a group I see very rarely. Then it’s a trip across two states to visit my son for Parent’s Weekend at his college. We haven’t seen other since August, and both my wife and are looking forward to that more than a night of drinking and dancing – especially since I no longer drink. So this will be some of the soundtrack for all the driving, the expectations, and the reality of my various reunions over the next few days.

Continue reading “(Un)Focused Definition Ep. 70: Reunions”