One of the more unusual bands roaming around the DMV (that would be D.C., Virginia and Maryland, though CC is most definitely D.C.), Caustic Casanova has released two albums in the last seven years. I reviewed The Breaks when it came out in 2015, and it remains a favorite. I'm told a new full-length is on the way soon.

Caustic Casanova The Pantheon Collection: Volumes 1-3 (self-released)

This CD collects three vinyl releases (7"s in 2014 and 2017; a 12" EP in 2018) that separately featured a cover song and some re-recorded original stuff. Pentagram, the Melvins and Weedeater get the treatment, and the choice of those three bands ought to tell you a lot about this psychedelic stoner metal apocalyptica band. Raise your hand if you know Weedeater. If you don't, go get yourself educated.

And if you haven't happened by the Caustic Casanova bandwagon, this is a fine introduction. Perhaps not quite as adventurous as The Breaks, but awfully engaging. This is obviously a band that has a high time creating sonic chaos.

I suppose intellectual stoner rock isn't a thing. And it wouldn't be entirely fair or accurate to accuse CC of high-falutin' ways (they often feature an anthropomorphic cow in their art; witness the cover for this CD), but there is a lot more method behind the madness than might appear at first gasp. In particular, the band always takes an angle to its music. Any band that effortlessly channels King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Sleep and Iron Maiden in the same song has my vote.

Jon Worley