Better Know a Stoner Song – ‘After All’ by Pete International Airport

Peter Holmstrom and his 1972 Gibson SG

Somewhere in Portland, Oregon, Peter Holmstrom (The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport) is layering a complex web of sound woven by himself, and various collaborators, into a electro-rock sonicgasm. That’s just how Pete works, based on my conversations with him in the past.

Pete was briefly playing bass for a gent by the [stage]name of Highway, during some Dandy down time around 2009 or 2010, when they visited Bob’s Java Jive on South Tacoma Way, on a December night. Pete and I sat at the bar, and he told me about the Pete International Airport project. He detailed the lineup, and the personal mission he was on to explore the space between the notes with the layering of sound.

Two albums later, and Pete International Airport is widely known for their intricate layering of sound, as well as the somewhat rotating cast of modern psych-rock influencers in addition to Holmstrom. Perennial favorites and contributors include Jsun Atoms (The Upsidedown, Sun Atoms), Collin Hegna (Federale, The Brian Jonestown Massacre), Jason Anchondo (The Warlocks, Spindrift), and many others from bands such as The Black Angels, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Dark Horses.

The song chosen isn’t particularly oriented towards stoners in terms of lyrical content, but they are deep, and the music is about as ‘modern psych-rock’ as it gets. So spark up a pre-roll, infused J, bowl, or bonger of your favorite herb, then get down on some Pete International Airport. Enjoy.

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