This NYC trio revel in a drowsy psych that unravels with inspiration from the Velvet Underground and the Nuggets/Pebbles garage/psych/pop movement of the 1960s. “Set and Setting” is a nine-song cassette that collects the group’s recorded output to date, which includes a few songs that were previously released in digital format and a cover of The Byrds’ “Here Without You.” Many of the Stones’ tunes are buoyed along with a frug-inducing groove and gorgeous vocal harmonizing. That being said, there are a few moments here that inspire creative somnambulism, specifically the dreamy droner “Velvet Duel” and the mesmerizing B-Side opener “The Breaks,” which carries a mystical Eastern vibe. Lead Stones have an energy and an outlook that has fallen out of fashion as of late, which is a damn shame. Their dreamy brand of psych has been occupying a space in my heart that had long been vacant – I’m looking forward to hearing more from this troupe.
