Spirit Caravan - Dreamwheel (1999)

Nestled between the band’s two seminal full-length releases, Jug Fulla Sun and Elusive Truth, the five song EP Dreamwheel is an often neglected piece of the Spirit Caravan discography. Scott “Wino” Weinrich on vocals/guitars, Dave Sherman on bass, and Gary Isom on drums comprised one of the most formidable power trios of the last quarter century and this brief release finds them at or near their peak.

The title cut stands out above the rest and remained a mainstay of the band’s live set on following tours. Isom’s drumming gives it massive swing matching up nicely against Wino’s warm guitar tone and chunky riffing. “Dreamwheel” has memorable lyrics with strong sci-fi/fantasy connotations and Wino’s varied phrasing, sometimes understated while rousing at other key points, gives the words added dramatic value. The EP’s second song “Burnin’ In” has a more methodical pace than the opener with lyrics rooted in historical cruelties instead of fanciful fictions. Sherman and Isom’s rhythm section locks in tight with Wino’s steady, subterranean riffing and the latter’s commanding voice overcomes less than seamless vocal phrasing. “Re-alignment/Higher Power” is a brief, but strong instrumental and conjures a surprising amount of atmosphere in a condensed space.

The mammoth, overdriven riffing propelling “Sun Stoned” gains added heft from the fat rhythm section attack. Isom, in particular, is on point and his ability to accentuate Wino’s guitar work remains one of this lineup’s greatest strengths. The lyrics mix fantasy-type imagery with suggestions of a love song creeping through the symbols and Wino’s vocal dovetails nicely into the arrangement. “C, Yourself”, the EP’s finale, plods with dogged riffs punctuated with quick flourishes and fills. The tempo picks up some in the song’s second half and Wino’s fiery lead guitar hits its mark. It’s a quasi-character study lyrically and Wino belts out the words with perfect curtain closing passion. Dreamwheel isn’t long, but Spirit Caravan packed a ton of musical firepower into this EP and it still stands as a small incandescent gem in the band’s history.

Grade: A-