Wand

Wand is a Los Angeles psychedelic rock group formed in 2013, led by Cory Hanson. The band begins with Hanson, drummer Evan Burrows, guitarist Daniel Martens and bassist Lee Landey, and its early work leans into psychedelic garage rock with heavy metal influence.

Early releases

Wand quickly builds a large amount of material and issues split singles with artists including Mikal Cronin and Meatbodies before signing to Ty Segall’s Drag City offshoot God? for its debut album, Ganglion Reef, released in 2014. The band tours in support of Segall around this period.

The second album, Golem, is recorded over 12 days by Chris Woodhouse at The Dock in Sacramento, California, and appears in early 2015 on In the Red Records. It expands the band’s sound with synthesizers and a stronger heavy metal influence. Later in 2015, Wand releases 1000 Days on Drag City, bringing in more electronics while further integrating its metal and psychedelic elements.

Line-up changes and stylistic shift

Wand’s line-up changes over time, and Hanson gradually gives the other members more room in the band’s sound. By 2016, the group includes guitarist Robbie Cody and keyboardist/vocalist Sofia Arreguin, and its songs are developed more collaboratively in rehearsal rather than being presented fully formed by Hanson.

Hanson also releases a solo album in this period. In late 2016, Wand issues The Unborn Capitalist from Limbo on Drag City, a lushly orchestrated record with an acid folk influence.

Later records

With the revised line-up, Wand continues toward a more classic rock-leaning and expansive indie rock sound on Plum in 2017. The following year the band releases the seven-song EP Perfume on Drag City, again in a more democratic writing mode. In 2019, Laughing Matter develops this direction further, drawing on improvised jams and sketches and moving into more introspective indie rock.

Collaborations and touring

Wand tours frequently with Ty Segall. Segall later plays shows with Hanson as an acoustic duo and brings Hanson and Burrows into his backing band the Muggers for his 2016 tour dates.