Across The River is a little-known but significant collective in the history of American rock music, formed in the mid-1980s. Band emerged in the desert region of Southern California, known as Palm Desert. This area became the cradle of the so-called “desert scene”, which gave birth to many influential rock bands.
The lineup of Across The River:
- Mario Lalli (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson) – guitar, vocals
- Mark Anderson – guitar
- Scott Reeder (The Obsessed, Kyuss, Unida, Nebula, Goatsnake) – bass, vocals
- Alfredo Hernández (Kyuss, Mondo Generator, Queens of the Stone Age, Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man) – drums
Mario Lalli, the central figure of the band, later became known for his work in Fatso Jetson and Yawning Man, both of which played a significant role in the evolution of stoner rock.
In 1985 band recorded their only demo, consisting of several tracks, that was recorded on a 4-track cassette portastudio in garage. This recording did not receive wide distribution but became a cult favorite among underground rock fans. The demo’s sound is characterized by heavy riffs, hypnotic melodies, and a desert-like atmosphere qualities that later became hallmarks of the stoner rock genre.
Despite their short-lived existence, Across The River laid the foundation for many bands in the desert scene. Their experimental approach to music and unique sound inspired bands like Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age , and others.
Today, the 1985 demo recording is considered a rare collector’s item and is highly valued by genre enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of a time when a group of passionate musicians from the desert created a sound that continues to shape rock music to this day.