Heavy Drag's Sábana Ghost was recorded 'in a matter of days, but the resulting output will be eternal', says the accompanying press release to this ten-track album, set for release on Miami-based indie label Limited Fanfare. Sure, the tracks will always be here, unless the internet crashes, and the band crush all their hard copies. But it's doubtful this record will be eternal in the figurative, romantic sense. Although there are some really strong moments here from the Miami shoegaze / psych four-piece on this debut album, it's very far from flawless.

Firstly, 'Kinda Slow' should be the opener: the dueting female and male vocalists lock beautifully together, and coupled with fuzzed-up guitars that create a druggy psych sound reminiscent of Lee Ranaldo, and Brain Jonestown Massacre, it's an effective statement of intent, setting the precedent for everything that follows. The actual intro, 'Stoned', is less engaging, it's not warped in enough effects, or invigorating enough melodically to achieve the transcendent impact it's going for - it does little more than feel like a token instrumental intro, put on after the completion of all the songs.

The album's strongest, sexiest shoegaze cut is 'Machine'. This is thanks to the arsenal of catchy vocal lines throughout, wah-effected guitars, wigged-out instrumental sections, and strong pulsating beats. Despite it being the album's longest cut (six mins), it certainly doesn't feel like it drags - it feels varied, fresh, and interesting. The next track, 'Strange The Neck Of Time', is a continuation of fine form, and has a superb Lee Ranaldo-esque guitar tone, and raw gritty bass line to suit. The vocals are caked in reverb and play more of a melodic role than a lyrically poignant one. In contrast, 'Bad Times' is clearer in its message as vocals are confrontational, angry even: " Why you don't leave me be / Why you don't set yourself free / The bad times are rolling through / 'The bad times are gunning for you' ", sum up this mighty expression of angst.

As 'S 2 9' cuts in, the album hits a pothole. It's the most missable track: they sing "You are the only one" repetitively without a great melody and it permeates too much of the track, becoming a bit of drag to listen to. 'Leave It Alone' has a similar problem as the words:"Oh no leave me alone" become overly repetitive whilst the guitar imitating the same jarring, circular vocal melody draws too much attention to one of the weaker parts of the record.

Things pick back up on 'Smashing Waves' thanks to the effective Hooton Tennis Club-esque vocals and things sound more alert with soaring melodies, and visceral guitar riffs working in impressive tandem. Penultimate cut 'Horse of Leaves' sounds like the soundtrack to a horrific comedown. But 'Mosquito Bite' sounds like singer Andreas Wong Chong has woken up from a dreary bad trip, it's more direct, and hard hitting than any other part of the album. It makes for a fantastic set closer, and hints that Heavy Drag may have what it takes to take on the plethora of other psych rock bands hustling for record sales and bigger shows.