When you think of Good Trees River Band, one of the first things that comes to mind—after their tight musicianship and ever-evolving live performances—is their rich, textured sound. They’re not just a band that plays notes; they’re a band that creates a full-on sonic experience. That’s because Good Trees doesn’t rely solely on traditional rock instruments to build their songs. Instead, they blend analog effects with digital sounds to craft something far more immersive and psychedelic, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern music.
From using classic analog gear like fuzz pedals and tape delays to experimenting with digital synths and studio wizardry, the band’s sound is a mesmerizing swirl of old and new. This balance between analog warmth and digital precision is key to creating the lush soundscapes that define their music and live shows. Let’s dive into how Good Trees River Band uses these tools to expand their psychedelic palette.
The Magic of Analog: Warmth and Depth
One of the defining characteristics of Good Trees River Band’s sound is the use of analog effects to create a warm, organic tone. Analog gear has a certain character that digital effects just can’t replicate—it feels more alive, more unpredictable. This is especially important for a band like Good Trees, where improvisation and spontaneity play such a big role.
Guitarist Danny Circharo is a master of using analog effects to shape his sound. His pedalboard is loaded with classics—fuzz, reverb, delay, and modulation effects that help him create the swirling, spacey tones that are at the core of the band’s psychedelic sound. The fuzz pedal, in particular, is a cornerstone of his playing, adding a gritty, distorted edge to his guitar that cuts through the mix, especially during his blistering solos.
“The analog pedals give me the kind of warmth and unpredictability that makes each performance feel different,” Danny explains. “Even when I use the same pedal for the same song, it never sounds exactly the same. There’s always this element of surprise, and that’s what makes it exciting.”
One track that perfectly captures this analog magic is “Shamanic Echoes.” The song opens with a heavily fuzzed-out guitar riff, drenched in reverb, creating an immediate sense of space and depth. As the song progresses, the delay pedal kicks in, adding layers of echoing notes that seem to spiral into infinity. This combination of fuzz, delay, and reverb gives the song a cosmic, otherworldly feel that transports the listener into another dimension.
Tape Delay and the Art of Space
Another key element of Good Trees’ analog approach is the use of tape delay, a classic effect that adds a sense of space and depth to their sound. Unlike digital delay, which can sound clean and precise, tape delay has a warmth and natural decay that makes it feel more human. It’s unpredictable in the best way, with subtle variations in timing and pitch that create a sense of movement within the sound.
In the song “Astral Drift,” Danny’s guitar is layered with a vintage tape delay effect that gives his playing a dreamy, floating quality. The notes seem to drift off into space, lingering in the air before fading away. This effect is crucial in creating the band’s psychedelic soundscapes, as it allows the music to feel expansive and infinite, like it’s constantly evolving even after the notes have been played.
Bass player Ned Brady also uses effects to enhance his low-end tones, often adding subtle modulation or delay to his playing. This creates a thick, swirling foundation that pairs beautifully with Danny’s more melodic lead work. Together, the bass and guitar create an immersive, hypnotic experience that draws listeners into the music.
The Digital Realm: Synths and Beyond
While Good Trees River Band has a strong connection to analog gear, they’re not stuck in the past. The band also embraces digital technology to push their sound even further, blending old-school analog warmth with the precision and versatility of modern digital tools. This fusion of analog and digital allows them to create a sound that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.
Evan Valentine, the band’s drummer, has integrated digital percussion and synth pads into his setup, allowing him to add electronic textures to the band’s sound. “I love using digital pads during live shows to create atmospheric layers,” Evan says. “It gives me a chance to bring something extra to the music, especially during the quieter, more ambient sections.”
The band’s use of digital synths is also a major part of their evolving sound. While many of their tracks are rooted in guitar, bass, and drums, there are moments when the synths take center stage, adding a futuristic, spacey vibe to the music. In the track “Neon Skies,” for instance, digital synths pulse through the background, creating a shimmering, ethereal atmosphere that perfectly complements the band’s psychedelic guitar work.
Blending Analog and Digital in the Studio
Good Trees River Band doesn’t just rely on their gear during live performances—they also use it extensively in the studio to create their unique sound. When recording, the band loves to experiment with blending analog and digital effects to craft songs that feel rich and multidimensional.
During the recording of their album “Echoes from the Void,” the band spent hours in the studio layering analog and digital sounds to create a sonic landscape that felt both grounded and otherworldly. Analog pedals were used to give the instruments warmth and texture, while digital effects were added to create a sense of space and depth.
Producer collaborations are a big part of this process. The band has worked with producers who specialize in both analog and digital recording techniques, ensuring that their records capture the full range of their sound. “Working with producers who understand both sides of the coin—analog and digital—has been crucial for us,” says Ned. “They help us achieve that balance between warmth and precision that defines our sound.”
Live Performances: Bringing the Studio to the Stage
One of the challenges Good Trees faces is recreating their studio magic in a live setting. Fortunately, the band has found ways to bring their expansive sound to the stage, using a combination of analog and digital gear to ensure their live shows feel just as immersive as their recordings.
Danny’s pedalboard is key to recreating the psychedelic tones from the studio. He uses a mix of analog pedals for fuzz, reverb, and delay, alongside digital pedals that allow him to loop and layer his playing in real time. The result is a massive, textured sound that fills the room and transports the audience.
The band’s use of digital synths and electronic percussion also adds another layer to their live performances. Evan incorporates electronic pads into his drum kit, triggering sounds and samples that bring a futuristic edge to their performances. This fusion of traditional and modern instruments ensures that Good Trees River Band never sounds predictable—whether in the studio or on stage, they’re always pushing their sound forward.
A Psychedelic Sound for the Modern Era
Good Trees River Band isn’t content to simply play psychedelic rock—they’re constantly expanding their sound, blending analog warmth with digital precision to create something truly unique. Their ability to incorporate both classic analog effects and cutting-edge digital technology allows them to craft lush, immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to another world.
As they continue to evolve, their sound will no doubt keep pushing boundaries, redefining what psychedelic rock can be in the modern era. In the next part of this series, we’ll dive into how improvisation and jazz influences have shaped Good Trees River Band’s music, and how their spontaneous approach to playing keeps their sound fresh and exciting.
