Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Space Owl – Mountain Song (2023)

For about 12 years (give or take), the psychedelic rock band Space Owl has been sharing their inimitable sound with the masses. According to Spotify, the US-based foursome has only been sharing their music since 2021 but there is so much more to streaming tracks. Beginning with confident performances of original material, Ari Joshua (vocals and guitar), Bob Lovelace (bass and vocals), John Ewing (drums and vocals) and David Appelbaum (keys), Space Owl gained a reputation for energetic, engaging and intriguing music across the US. With coverage from the international press, the lads began turning heads across the globe featured in Vents Magazine, FV Music Blog, Roadie Music, Jazz Weekly, TJPL News, Thoughts Words Actions, Top Music and many more. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Mountain Song’.

Previously, Ari Joshua shared “…my goal from when I was young was to master a musical language to be able to express myself and connect with others without any constraints…” He further noted in an interview with Illustrate Magazine that “there’s a certain magic that can be accessed through sound, beyond what can be described in words. That’s the sound I’m striving for – one of pure channelling” – and he appears to have expressed, channelled and connected with Space Owl.

Following the single ‘Why Does Love Always Break Your Heart’, ‘Mountain Song’ is a release to capture the timeless moments, life-long friendships and the essence of human emotion. Composed by Ari Joshua, the mesmerising track was created after “a journey shared between friends to a valley adorned with glistening lakes, rocks, evergreen trees and giant boulders…” Needless to say, this tranquil atmosphere harboured a mystical ambience that can reach into your soul, make your senses tingle and allow for that deep breath of relief and insatiable awe. This is a feeling Space Owl experienced and looks to share with others.

Produced in collaboration with Johnathan Plum (engineering), Mel Detmer (mixing) and Ed Brooks (mastering), ‘Mountain Song’ falls somewhere between classic rock and soul rock with strong slashes of blues flowing through the melody. In a “jam session” type of melody, the guitars, drums, bass and keys flit in and out in a sporadic, unconventional mush of music. Interestingly, while there appears to not be any type of true structure, its psychedelic sensation is what makes ‘Mountain Song’ so heart-warming, comfortable and soul-stirring. The theme song for that moment when you feel utterly weightless and happy, ‘Mountain Song’ is pure joy.


For more from Space Owl, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator