LES BIG BYRD – Ruin Everything (2026, LP/CD, Chimp Limbs) 

RELEASE INFO:

Label: Chimp Limbs

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Red Vinyl, 250 copies

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Red Marbled Vinyl, 100 copies

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Orange Vinyl, 1000 copies

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Blue Vinyl, 150 copies

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Black Vinyl

Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition

Release Date: 5 Jun 2026

In the ever-expanding universe of contemporary Psych – Psychedelic music, Sweden’s Les Big Byrd stands as one of the most intriguing explorers of cosmic sounds, hypnotic rhythms and sonic experimentation. Emerging from the fertile Stockholm underground in 2011, the four-piece has spent more than a decade exploring the endless possibilities between hypnotic psychedelia, space rock and the disciplined repetition of krautrock, led by songwriter and producer Jocke Åhlund.

From their debut album “They Worshipped Cats” (2014), through the expansive “Iran Iraq IKEA” (2018) and “Eternal Light Brigade” (2020), to the more experimental and instrumental-heavy “Diamonds, Rhinestones and Hard Rain” (2024), the band has continuously evolved while preserving their unmistakable psychedelic DNA. Their fifth studio album, “Ruin Everything”, finds Les Big Byrd returning to a more focused, song-oriented approach, recalling the spirit of their acclaimed 2018 release while embracing a tighter and more adventurous sound.

4 tracks on the first side, and the other 4 on the second side of the vinyl LP, fill “Ruin Everything”. The album opens with “Hökvind”, a brilliant Space Rock anthem exploding with cosmic energy and a tremendous Hawkwind-ized punk attitude. Driven by relentless rhythms, swirling effects, and a rebellious spirit, the track feels like stepping into a modern version of “The Spirit Of The Age”, carrying the same sense of endless space travel and sonic freedom. From there, Les Big Byrd shift towards a more futuristic and melodic direction with “Artificial Sunlight”, a fascinating blend of modernized New Age Space Rock and subtle 80s pop influences, creating a colourful and slightly nostalgic atmosphere. “Nån Annan Dag” slows down the cosmic engines, offering a mid-tempo composition where spacey textures meet a more sentimental pop approach, revealing the band’s softer and more emotional side. Following this path, “Time Is A Killer” brings a catchy and slightly quirky pop feeling wrapped in a New Age aura, with a strong 80s MTV atmosphere hidden beneath its polished surface.

The second half of the album returns to full cosmic acceleration with “Ruin Everything”, the title track and one of the record’s most powerful moments. Full of spacey effects, driving rhythms and classic Hawkwind-inspired energy, it feels like a direct invitation to become the Master of the Universe and join an interstellar adventure. “Big Flood” introduces a more reflective side of Les Big Byrd, a mid-tempo ballad-like composition filled with nostalgic feelings, atmospheric effects and a beautiful balance between melody and space. With “Searchlight”, the band delivers another irresistible moment, built around a hypnotic space-a-delic groove that recalls the rhythmic spirit of Norman Greenbaum’s legendary “Spirit In The Sky”, while still maintaining their own psychedelic identity. Finally, “Beginners Luck” closes the journey on a softer note, floating through a dreamy space-ballad landscape where delicate effects and a remarkable electric guitar sound create a warm and atmospheric farewell.

“Ruin Everything” proves once again that Les Big Byrd remain masters of balancing cosmic exploration with memorable songwriting. A journey through space, nostalgia and psychedelic landscapes, this is a record that celebrates the endless possibilities of modern Space Rock while keeping one foot firmly planted in the timeless spirit of the underground… TimeLord Michalis

Tracklist

Links

Listen / Buy through LES BIG BYRD Bandcamp

Visit LES BIG BYRD Facebook

“Diamonds Rhinestones and Hard Rain” (2024, LP Chimp Limbs Recordings) (Review)