Fruit de Mer Records The 16th Dream of Dr Sardonicus Festival of Psychedelic live double album

 (photos Fruit de Mer Records)

We're currently blessed with a good field of top draw independent record labels releasing treat after treat to tickle our fancy and furnish our aural requirements. Though in my opinion Fruits de Mer Records represents a label which is a cut above the rest. The labels releases are always not just of the highest quality, both musically and production, they're something more, something special, unique artists, whether performing their own works or innovative interpretations they're always original and often sublime sounding. There's not been a thing I've heard I've not enjoyed, and many I've absolutely loved; for the new music I've been introduced to through FdM I'm continually grateful, bands such as The Luck of Eden Hall or the Soft Hearted Scientists, man, I could go on and on, honestly the list is endless. Oh for bottomless pockets. Anyway. Each year the label organizes a few all dayers and small festivals, by all accounts every one a fabulous event. Fruits de Mer also appear to excel at curating and creating outstanding compilation albums (it was through some of their compilation CD's in a friends car that I first got turned on to the label). Fruit de Mer Records The 16th Dream of Dr Sardonicus Festival of Psychedelic is a live double album on lovely clear blue vinyl which highlights their creative genius at both compilations and events. What a beautiful aural journey, man, with bands, several I'd heard of, several I hadn't, all giving great performances, an eclectic mix which flows seamlessly with absolutely no filler. I say eclectic as all the acts bring something different in style and sound, though all sympathetic and supporting of each other and the albums psychedelic ambiance, carrying you blissfully along on a stream of glorious flavoured psychedelia. Side one kicks of with two tracks from the wonderfully folky Elfin Bow with Elizabeth Anne Jones gentle enchanting vocals (check out Elfin Bow's lovely FdM single release, bliss), one track a subtly stunning Denny cover, the other a charming self penned number with traditional DNA; and side four finishes off with the raucous saxaphonic sounds of legendary space rocker Nik Turner's New Space Ritual.  I said it was a journey, man. It's a journey along a road paved in gold too, favourites like Stay, Consterdine and Sendelica, as well as (new to me), I am Voyager one, Fellowship of Hallucinatory Voyagers, The Alain Pire Experience and The Fertility Cult, all showcasing what they can do live...and it's quality throughout. My only problem...more bands for my list of bands to look out for, oh but what a problem to have, ay. Every track on this album is a real gem, a fantastic reminder for those lucky enough to have been at the festival, of what sounds like a great event, and a fabulous advertisement for the joy which is Fruits de Mer Records. As with previous FdM releases the quality is assured, the recordings are solid, the clear blue vinyl is a lovely pressing, and the sleeves are quality too (and interesting), man, the package as a whole is class. Sadly this release is currently sold out (it showed 'last few copies' when I started this post, it may be available through other stockists...maybe?), though check out the Fruit de Mer Records site you wont be disappointed, there are many more treasures to be discovered there, and get on their mailing list to avoid future disappointment, their July releases look terrific! Thank you Fruits de Mer.