Harsh Toke

San Diego acid rock revivalists Harsh Toke first surfaced toward the end of 2012 when a Bandcamp page appeared carrying two extended heavy psych jams titled simply "A Minor Jam" and "E Minor Jam." Guitarist Justin Figueroa, drummer Austin Ayub, bassist Richie Belton, and keyboardist Gabe Messer made up the lineup. Local shows followed as the musicians developed material for a longer release. Their self-titled debut arrived in late 2013 on Tee Pee Records, presenting four expansive tracks that included the plainly named "Light Up and Live." The record marked a shift from purely instrumental improvisation, incorporating vocals from Messer and tighter compositions that recalled stoner metal forebears such as Black Sabbath and Hawkwind.