Club Kuru’s Before the World marks a reflective return for the band after a five-year hiatus, blending psychedelic rock with soulful introspection. Recorded over two weeks in Laurie Erskine’s home studio, the album captures the warmth and spontaneity of a live performance, largely thanks to its direct-to-tape recording method. Erskine, the jazz-trained leader of the project, channels personal loss, life transitions, and the search for hope throughout the record, resulting in a deeply emotional and atmospheric experience.
The album’s lead track, “Who Am I,” sets the tone with its extended outro and freewheeling exploration of identity, while tracks like “Sunshine Kiss the Water” and “Gone Like a Flower” evoke serene, natural imagery and a contemplative mood. The latter taps into themes of grief and mortality, layering gospel-like vocals over a rock backdrop.
Erskine’s delicate vocal approach has evolved, bringing a more direct and emotionally resonant quality to the lyrics, which often navigate the balance between melancholy and renewal.
Before the World is a textured and introspective work, rich with improvisational flair and atmospheric depth. Its exploration of life’s dualities—sorrow and hope, loss and renewal—offers listeners a resonant and immersive experience. With this release, Club Kuru successfully re-establishes themselves as a compelling force in the psych-rock landscape.