Lo Sound Desert

Lo Sound Desert is a 2015 documentary by Jörg Steineck (known by previous films like “Inside Scofield”) showcasing the California desert rock scene. Featuring musicians as Josh Homme (Frontman of Queens of the Stone Age), Brant Bjork and Scott Reeder (Kyuss), Nick Oliveri (Mondo Generator), as well as members of many influential bands like Fatso Jetson, Dali’s Llama, and Yawning Man.

Stoner rock emerged from the punk movement of the late seventies. In the Californian town of Palm Springs, everything punk needed to survive seemed to be present: bored teenagers, retirees in need of rest, and crystal meth laboratories. But over the years, the desert forged its own sound: grittier guitars, heavier beats, and long jam sessions instead of short, angry tracks. And so a unique music scene emerged that is still adored in Europe, even though most bands have long since disbanded and the desert concerts have disappeared. The Queens of the Stone Age are probably the best-known survivors.