Screaming Trees – Change Has Come EP

Screaming Trees – Change Has Come EP

Screaming Trees – Change Has Come captures the Washington State band's distinctive blend of grunge, psychedelic rock and 1970s-influenced hard rock, during the period when the Pacific Northwest alternative scene was beginning to attract worldwide attention. The EP showcases the band's heavier guitar sound alongside the melodic songwriting and psychedelic atmosphere that set them apart from many of their Seattle contemporaries.

The title track "Change Has Come" immediately establishes the record's hazy, guitar-driven character, with Mark Lanegan's deep, unmistakable vocals giving the music a darker and more soulful edge. "Days" follows with the band's ability to balance muscular rock instrumentation with a strong melodic sensibility.

On the B-side, "Flashes" brings a more psychedelic quality, while "Time Speaks Her Golden Tongue" develops the band's expansive, atmospheric side. The EP closes with "I've Seen You Before", completing a concise collection that demonstrates why Screaming Trees became such an important part of the Pacific Northwest alternative movement.

Formed in Ellensburg, Washington, in the mid-1980s, Screaming Trees developed a sound that drew as much from psychedelic rock and classic hard rock as it did from punk and the emerging grunge scene. Their combination of Lanegan's distinctive baritone, Gary Lee Conner's swirling guitar work and the band's powerful rhythm section gave them a sound that was unmistakably their own.

While often grouped alongside Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, Screaming Trees brought a more psychedelic and roots-oriented character to the grunge movement. Change Has Come is a fine example of that distinctive approach.

For collectors of Screaming Trees, Mark Lanegan, Seattle grunge, Sub Pop, psychedelic rock and 1990s alternative music, this EP offers an excellent snapshot of one of the Pacific Northwest's most compelling bands.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Change Has Come
2. Days

Side B

1. Flashes
2. Time Speaks Her Golden Tongue
3. I've Seen You Before