Third in a trilogy from Now-Again Records with Forge Your Own Chains (2009), Tickets for Doomsday (2021), Pale Shades of Grey is a Various Artists compilation of rare, largely un-compiled, and sometimes barely heard heavy psych-rock. Pounding drums, scathing fuzz guitar and morose, contemplative lyrics will bring you up on a downer.

Pale Shades of Grey, as the title hints, is and perhaps the most contemplative of the series, ruminations dark themes of love, death, pain and triumph, as performed by high school and college bands, Brazilian intellectuals, Nigerian rockers and even an Irish pub band from Michigan. A unique and compelling listen, and surely a worthy companion for these times.