Album Review: Becoming A Man

If you’ve just gone to check out The Dorado Experiment after reading this, then you’ll probably feel as if time travel does exist. And it does, sort of.

The Dorado Experiment is otherworldly, and their sound transcends well beyond our shores and makes you think that they must be American right?

Wrong.

They’re from Whakatū Nelson.

Their self-proclaimed vibe is spot on. A psychedelic jam-rock journey. But they’re also so much more, and you really are getting your money’s worth and, in this economy, I’m here for it.

You might also be thinking, why have I never heard of them before? Well, they’re still relatively new having only formed in 2024 and working hard to deliver the goods that are writing, gigging and touring so they can bring forth what is their debut album, Becoming A Man.

This 10-track debut will do things to your ears, and your mind. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’re getting Greta Van Fleet 2.0.

No.

The Dorado Experiment is anything but.

First off, the self-titled track – Becoming A Man is the perfect introduction. Bluesy, soulful. If charisma was a sound, this is it. Vocalist Blue sings with a rasp Robert Plant wishes he had (probably)

The harmonies are perfection. Gentle and persuasive, beckoning you to come a little closer. It’s all swag and zero bravado.

I think Snake Skin Seller really sells tickets here though. A didgeridoo is both a unique instrument and a bold choice for listeners to hear and then ripping straight into something that Red Hot Chili Peppers would have loved to have poached for Freaky Styley or Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The chorus? “Snake, Snake, Snakeskin Seller” I love it. That bass is really keeping it all together too. It’s probably one of the most unexpected and unique twists of what makes The Dorado Experiment your new favourite band.

Elsewhere you’ll find they’re a dab hand at throwing down some interludes like it’s an average Tuesday. Mitote (Interlude) could very well sound like the very best or worst of a psychedelic trip.

Now is probably a good time to mention guitarist Bowen ‘Bo’ Allcolour (also known as Bo Ade-Simpson) whose fingers are working overtime, shredding, picking, noodling and jamming. A musician who excels at their craft and clearly loves it. Both he and Blue complement each other in a way that can only be described as ‘meant to be’

They’re both so effortlessly cool and unique and deserve as much exposure as they can handle. I have no doubt their live performances are something similar to seeing Hendrix at Woodstock ’69, (respectively Woodstock ’94 and ’99, also still hold their own)

Before I close this out, let’s talk about Bacon for a moment. Excuse me please? This is the effortlessly cool I’m on about. What a jam. The tempo, the lyrics, the voice, the riffs? More of this please.

You want to look up the definition of a classic rock n roll song? You know the one that makes you toe taps, head nods and boogie all at the same time? Yeah, Bacon is that.

A hell of a duo that is skyrocketing to a different dimension. Excuse me while I go listen for the hundredth time.