The Great Northwest
The Widespread Reign of the Great Northwest

track listing
1. High 2. Chief John 3. Reverie 4. The Key 5. Western American 6. Know What I Mean 7. What I Want 8. Ready or Not 9. Game 10. Be Coming 11. Split 12. Did It Once 13. Surprise I Love You

Venus Zine - 4 Stars - Coates and Co. form a deliberate, molasses-thick brand of psychedelia in which all the songs run together in a rich blend of electric and electronic instruments, acoustic drones and ragas, and fuzzed noise... The album is filled with many hidden sounds and tracks that bleed through one another, and holds great reward for the diligent listener.

Delusions of Adequacy - With resolute patience and stellar production, this Portland, Oregon band weaves rich soundscapes that are equal parts space rock, slowcore, and psychedelic jams. This music doesn't come right at you. Rather, it floats out and surrounds you... The Widespread Reign of the Great Northwest holds many treasures.

NPR - Moody and sometimes soaring, the album functions as a fantastic mix of downtempo rhythms and Beatles-inspired chord progressions, with reverb-soaked Hammond organ, shimmering guitars and trippy harmonies.

Almost Cool - wraps your head up in a warm blanket and then doesn't let it out again.

Big Takeover - one of the better slowcore releases of the last 10 years. Each song maintains it’s own identity and yet they tend to blend together due to the lush, spacey sounds Coates creates and captures. Jason Pierce (Spiritualized) and Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon) better be looking over their shoulders; the new kid is quickly invading their longtime territory.

Captain's Dead - there’s an ebb and flow to this record that is very trance inducing... a more organic, calming ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space... this needs to be heard.

Captain's Dead - #7 Album of 2008

Danger Danger - Fans of down tempo, mood altering slowcore should not let this one pass them by. 4/5

Fantastic Weapon - there’s no denying the simple fact that The Widespread Reign of The Great Northwest is a fantastic record.

Fensepost - There are elements of experimentation here; just listen to the transition from masterpieces “Reverie” into “The Key”. While the former is a bit more single worthy (it found a welcome home on The Kora Records Compilation Vol. 1), the latter is superior due to its sheer uniqueness. Transitions occur between songs frequently on The Widespread Reign Of, just falling short of making it a concept album... The Kora Records does it once again: they’ve discovered and released a great album by a great band.

Forest Gospel - The Great Northwest is making that particular brand of lush, syrupy, slow rock better than the anyone else right now... The sound produced here is luxurious. That sound coupled with some gorgeously arranged, perfectly paced songs and what you have, my friend, is an absolutely delicious album to spin while letting the fire die down at the end of the night. Simply majestic.

Letters Have No Arms - It's the sound of cool parties that only exist in your head.

MP3 Hugger - Brian Coates should, if there be any justice in this industry, have several butlers vying to take off his jacket every time he walks through a gilded doorway in the near future. ‘Chief John’ is the lead single and cuts a wallowing, heavy-duty authority that demands repeated visits. Play it and watch dead meadows suddenly bloom into a kaleidoscope of nature’s vibrant colours.

The Mark Out - ... you can blissfully lose yourself in for the best part of an hour to it's trancelike charms. Once won't be enough though; lovingly textured and clearly designed as a complete listen... an album that's built to last.

Paper Thin Walls - 7.0

Poptarts Suck Toasted - There are so many sounds found throughout this album that it seems like every single time I put it on I'm listening to something completely new again! Is there anything better then music that keeps on giving like that? Not really, and I think you guys could have a blast, albeit a subtle and relaxed one, listening to this album! Verdict: Buzzworthy!!!