Soft Hearted Scientists

 

There's nothing not to like about 'Waltz of the Weekend' by Soft Hearted Scientists, and so much to love. Originally released on CD in May 2023, Fruits de Mer records have recently re-released it on vinyl, and as you'd imagine it's really rather special. Soft Hearted Scientists are psychedelic beat combo out of Wales, a band of highly accomplished musicians and lyrical bards sui generis in their field. With a wonderful mid 60's musical aesthetic, the period when the mods met mushrooms and music took on a distinctly psychedelic flavour, the band create tracks which span genres and flavours. The scientists are Michael Bailey on bass; Paul Jones on guitars and backing vocals; Dylan Line on keyboards, electronics and sound effects; Nathan Hall on Lead and backing vocals, guitars, keyboards, electronics and sound effects; and Spencer Segelov and Frank Naughton on drums. And collectively they conjure magic.

A magic that transports the psychenaut into the unique psychedelic world of the Soft Hearted Scientists' to be regaled with weird, whimsical and wonderful musical tales. Musically high order, and lyrically peerless 'Waltz of the Weekend' is a psychedelic masterpiece, utterly original, a reflection of the Soft Hearted Scientists themselves. This is psychedelia done different. 'What Grows Inside The Garden' kicks off the album divinely, a dreamy pop psyche number with a happy and sunny disposition lifted higher by some lovely guitar and nice harmonies. Whilst the titular track 'Waltz of the Weekend' puts one in mind of music you'd imagine you'd hear on Summerisle, it's processional folkish hypnotic melody has you swaying along as if in a trance. The 'Sea Anemone Song' has a haunting quality to it, a quality which runs through the entire album, something intangible; 'The Things we make' with it's beautifully drifty otherworldly atmosphere has oodles of that vibe, it's a truly beautiful track, loveliest on the album. Side two begins with the quirky 'Rode my Bike' about a frustrated and ill fated cycle which with it's infectious melody is psyche-poptastic. 'Gadzooks' is more optimistic singing of hopes for better rides and days to come, an eloquent and defiant counterbalance to its predecessor. Next 'Who loves the Moon' exemplifies how Soft Hearted Scientists enchantingly blend jaunty upbeat melodies with wistful and melancholic lyrical themes. There's genius in their composition and writing, their adroit juxtaposition of dark themes with catchy melodies are always exquisitely executed. Take the 'Fixer', an upbeat tale of a righteous hitman, a mod revivalist sounding tune if ever there was. Then psyche pop takes a particularly dark turn in 'Vicious Vivian'. Finishing side three 'Creeper and the vines', a charmingly wistful warning of the joys and perils of alcohol has a jolly sing along feel to it.  The 'Venus Fly Trap Song', is a dark tale of defiance in the face of systemic injustice and eventual escape from it. As for the final track 'Lost Mariners', it's simply the bollocks. A bitter-sweet tale of oceanic adventure and loss, like the ocean it's a track with depth, a richly textured and sweeping sound-scape of guitars and synth accompanied by haunting vocals, with an eerie 70's sci-fi synth fade out. Unequivocally fabulous. Cap doffed.

That's where the album ends on the CD or digital versions, although if you buy the vinyl copy you've still a third disc of outstanding remixes to enjoy; 'Sea Anemones in the Benthic Abyss', 'The Garden of Wavering Fronds', 'My Bike Verses The Dandy Horse', and finally 'Waltz Through The Weekend' a glorious 16.42 min mix exploring the entire album, you also get a nice colour booklet of the lyrics.

There's not a moment on this album I don't love, I can't say enough good things about it. An album with genuine warmth, every note is performed to perfection, every musical t crossed and i dotted, absolutely faultless throughout, you can tell the love and attention poured into it. If you buy but one album this year, buy this one. Check the Soft Hearted Scientists on their bandcamp, everything they do is sublime, as is Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals material. Or, if you're after the vinyl release of 'Waltz of the Weekend' go check out Fruits de Mer, purveyors of quality music.

Ouzo Bazooka

Ouzo Bazooka return with their spanking new fifth album 'Dalya', and it's a real aural joy, two sides of solid tracks, all in the band's uniquely Middle Eastern flavoured psyche. As we've come to expect from Tel Aviv's premier psyche rock minstrels Ouzo Bazooka, Dalya is pure quality by every metric. There's a smorgasbord psyche infused flavours to enjoy, and more beyond, a smidge of prog, a sniff of pop, a hint of something jazzy, 'Monsters' perfectly paced hypnotic rhythm has an air of folk to it, whilst 'Million years of Light' and 'It's a Menace' have a nice electronica feel to them. If there's one thing Dalya has in oodles its an uplifting energy, I defy you not to find yourself nodding, swaying, foot tapping or in some way moving to the captivating beat of this album! Take 'Kruv', made to move to, cool eastern funkiness with a thread of lovely 60's aesthetic... great live I'd imagine. Dalya is a fabulous album. Consummate musicians one and all, Ouzo Bazooka are a tight sounding outfit with a rich sound exquisitely blending strands of psychedelic music with organic middle eastern influences to create something immensely listen-able and original, and they just get better. It's a lovely clean pressing too, fantastic sound quality, on a wonderful purple/black splatter on opaque clear vinyl, all beautifully packaged.  Everyone needs some Ouzo Bazooka in their music collection, check them out here or here, guaranteed not to disappoint.

Magic Bus, The Earth Years

All aboard! Devon's psychedelic dreamers Magic Bus have pulled into town bringing with them a brand new collection of their distinctively joyful psychotropic tunage. Continuing their unbroken run of excellence Magic Bus's brand spanking new release 'The Earth Years' is a wonderful tonic in these dire times; place the needle on the record and the dark clouds part, the sun shines through, and that's all in the front room of your mind! Apt really, as their splendid 'The Road to La Mezquita' (my favourite track, I love that 70's funky strut) talks of indoor travelling. It's been three years since the Totnes troubadours released an album (too long...boo!) in which time they've gone from strength to strength, recently touring with the fabulous Chris Robinson Band. I maybe sense subtle CRB influence on tracks like 'New Day', though for the most part the band have built on, and further developed, their own inimitable brand of lovely sun drenched progtastic psychedelia. The Magic Bus sound encapsulates and blends the best of the decade between 65' and 75' from both sides of the pond (though I'd say this side weighted), with all the chaff removed and well informed by the subsequent decades, these West country wizards consistently create aural magic which keeps an ember of the summer of love alive and carries it forward. Front man Paul Evens has a wonderful voice, so evocative of the 70's Canterbury scene, and Jay Darlington's delightful organ reinforces that 70's British vibe magnificently, echoes of Canterbury's finest 'Audience' pepper the album, I think that's also due, in part, to Terrance Waldstradt's stellar guitar; 'Squirrel' puts me in mind of that Canterbury scene sound, a wisp of Nektar flavoured prog too. You'll also hear the influence of cultural legends Gong on tracks like 'Barleycorn', well, you would though wouldn't you, the band all have long hair, and some even have beards! Don't misunderstand me, Magic Bus sound like Magic Bus, and for what they've sipped from the prog/psyche well, they've renewed, replenished and expanded that well's elixir ten fold with their offerings. Mention must also be given to the Stirling contributions of Connor Spring's perfectly pitched drumming, and the laid back bad-ass bass of Wihll Mellorz, whose work in the engine room ensures every track has oodles of groovy rhythm. Like all Magic Bus albums 'The Earth Years' is beautifully paced, a lovely journey to take, conjuring a feeling of Mmmmm throughout.  The album ends with the sublime 60's infused  'We are one', a wrapped in a blanket watching the sunset kind of a song, which has the uplifting lyric 'hope is coming', love 'em.....fecking hippies. This is the bands first release without the heavenly flute and backing vocals of Viv Goodwin, that, I miss; you know what it's like when a band you dig has a line up change. That aside, there's absolutely nothing not to like; no, not to love about this album. It's a beautiful thing in itself too, a nice heavy weight clean cut vinyl, packaged in a sturdy gate-fold sleeve, with the most gorgeous artwork by Martin Ross Butler, lovely colours, man. No, hang on! There is one thing not to like...it's not long enough, I usually have to play it through twice so more-ish is it. That's four top-drawer albums in a succession from Magic Bus. Bravo y'all! Check it out. Shit, check them all out! And, if you dig what you hear and really what to experience the pure joy of Magic Bus, when the 'Rona's' passed make sure to catch them perform live...deep joy!

Russian Spy 7" By The Neighbourhood Strange

Those premier psychedelic sons of Salisbury 'The Neighbourhood Strange' are back with a vengeance with their fabulous 7" release, the topical 'Russian Spy'. If you've seen the band perform live you'll know they're a tight outfit of  consummate musicians delivering their brand of high quality mod-esque psychedelia with panache and brio. That flavour comes across beautifully in both Russian Spy and the flip sides 'Many Secrets' (as well as all the bonus material available on the CD EP release).

The 'A' side 'Russian Spy' has a melody echoing the folk sound of the steppe or that moment in a 60's TV drama when the 'Reds' appear, and a fantastic chorus with an appropriately Red Army sounding harmony, throughout the track is peppered with nods to recent dramatic events in Salisbury and references to the east/west political dichotomy. Russian Spy is a modern cold war classic born of the attempted assassination by nerve agent of 'hero of Russia' and double agent/former spy Sergei Skripal. Though the novichok wasn't strong enough to take out Skripal, what is powerfully strong is this track, which works beautifully both musically and lyrically. The 'B' side 'Many Secrets' ostensibly has a great Mod revival (of the late 70's) feel to it, played at an energetic pace and sung with gusto, also buried in there is that intelligent punk sound I'd associate with bands like The Damned at their peak. Although throughout Bob's wonderful organ ensures the sensibilities of the modernist hey day are maintained. Bob's organ is perfect at conjuring a genuine mid 60's British sound and atmosphere, which to me has a timeless appeal and consistently shines on every track. Whilst, front man Marcus has the perfect demeanour and voice to deliver this punchy fast paced style of mod infused psychedelic pop rock with a side serving of punky asthetic, and he has the swagger to match. We should remember though that a great band is gestalt, created by the contributions all the band members, and so it is with 'The Strange'. Dazman on bass and Matt on drums ensure by their solid performances that the rhythm section on all the tracks is tight and drives the numbers along at an appropriate velocity. Whilst guitarist Mark provides some great guitar riffs, as well as wonderfully proficient and expertly performed string work throughout. Splendid stuff, man!

The Neighbourhood Strange have done it again, they've nailed it. The band deserve more acclaim, it's a wonder to me that The Neighbourhood Strange aren't better known, they really should be. Russian Spy along with their previous 2 single releases showcase their manifest talents as writers and musicians, and their fabulous live performances always hit the spot. There's nothing not to love about this band and their beautifully crafted sound, a sound so broad in appeal that it transcends genre boundaries.  They're all nice fellows to boot. 

Russian Spy is available now on bandcamp as a 7" vinyl single or CD EP, each comes with a digital download of the EP's 5 tracks (Russian Spy, Many Secrets, Mary Mary, Walk On Water, Desert Sand). You can also get a copy of the 7" vinyl single on The Neighbourhood Strange website. I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping that a LP with be forthcoming, it really should, I know the band easily has enough top quality material. Fingers crossed, ay. To be honest where you buy Russian Spy isn't important, that you make certain you do buy it is the paramount thing, don't miss out on this gem (while you're about it check out their previous singles too), bag yourself a copy today! And make sure you catch one of their live performances too, I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Echo by Custard Flux

Psychedelic maestro Gregory Curvey returns with a second helping of gorgeous Custard Flux in form of 'Echo'. If you don't know who Gregory Curvey is, he's the multi-talented musician, artist, artisan, front man and driving force behind one of the psychedelic genre's leading bands, The Luck of Eden Hall. Custard Flux is a solo project of his based around a dilapidated harmonium he discovered and restored. Helium was the first serving of psychedelic Custard Flux, rich and musically tasty it was too, then there was an bonus spoonful with the general release of  the 'extras',  which had been included in the sumptuous Deluxe Helium Box Set (now sold out).

I love Helium, it's a brilliant album standing head and shoulders above the crowd, easily the best release of 2018 (and soon to be available as a double vinyl release). Could Curvey equal that brilliance? Of course he could, and as always, he's excelled himself. Echo's been conceived in that same bubbling custard cauldron, and its time simmering has allowed it to develop even richer deeper flavours. From the opening track, the wonderfully energetic 'Supernatural', Echo has you captivated and you'll dance to its tune, it's stunning album. If you're expecting Helium 2 then you're in for a surprise, Echo may share Helium's DNA, though an evolved, expanded and mutated version of it. Curvey's crafted another genuinely unique sounding album, and a worthy companion for Helium. Again, it's an acoustic album (beyond a brief foray with an electric guitar) with Gregory playing piano, harmonium, guitars, auto-harp, mouth-harp and drums, he's also written all the music and lyrics (other than one track co-written with Tim Ferguson) as well as delivering his instantly recognizable vocals...and I bet he mixed and produced it too. Amazing. Interestingly, this time around he's added a couple of new ingredients in Timothy Prettyman's double bass and Walt Prettyman's violin. I have to say, genius additions. The new instruments are immediately noticeable, Timothy Prettyman's terrific double basses richer more earthy bass tones add depth to the rhythm section, and good violin simply lifts music to a higher ethereal level, and Walt Prettyman's sensational violin playing does that in spades. I think Walt Prettyman's violin transforms the Custard Flux sound, in him Curvey found a philosopher's stone.

Gregory's a proficient and musically eloquent multi-instrumentalist, with a distinct guitar and vocal style.  He has an ear for detail, and is a tonal alchemist with a magpie's eye, who sips from myriad springs of inspiration. He takes disparate ingredients and creates aural magic, always something original, although something with that indubitable Curvey watermark running through it, and always something marvellously psychedelic. With Echo, Curvey has taken Custard Flux to new heights, serving up a heavenly cordon bleu feast of psychedelia, with a healthy helping of progressive accoutrements all liberally topped with tasty pop croutons. Très magnifique! Like any good feast it's how the flavours complement each other, which were chosen and how they were blended that makes all the difference. At this too, Curvey is king. A hint of mid 60's London and a smidgen of later 60's west coast ('Pink Indians' has a glorious Zappa-esque feel), a generous pinch of 70's atmosphere and just a wisp of the 80's, all add piquancy. Each track has an individual character, and to some there's a certain cinematic feel, like they'd work in a soundtrack or make a good video.  A favourite of mine 'Gold' is a track you could imagine making a great a video, the lyrics evoke such strong imagery. Evocative lyrics is another of Gregory's manifest skills, a proper bard, he's able to deliver emotionally resonant lyrics as in 'Cirque d’Enfant', an enchanting track, really lovely (and the track with the electric guitar), and he's equally at home lampooning too, take 'America', a wry look at the reality of the American dream, beautifully observed, relevant and essential, as if people don't point, nobody looks. From start to finish Echo enthrals you, taking you on a astounding aural journey, and as the final track 'Suns and Daughters' (which leaves you feeling warm and uplifted) fades you're left wanting more. As is consistent with Gregory's work there's no filler, man, every note counts, the detail, the wonderful melodies, and the fabulous flourishes, all beautifully composed and elegantly performed to perfection. Echo represents the finest in contemporary psychedelic music, no, really Custard Flux's Echo  transcends genre labels, put simply... it's bloody good music. I doff my cap to you sir!

Echo is an album you'll want to have in your collection. It's available now through bandcamp as a digital download or on CD, with a vinyl release later in the year. Go on, spoil yourself, buy this album!

Crystal Ship 7" EP The Luck of Eden Hall

Old news to many, I'm sure, though a new aural pleasure for me, the last one in the shop too! The Luck of Eden Hall's 2012 7" EP release, Crystal Ship, and the accompanying digital album, Alligators Eat Gumdrops, are both wonderful creations.

Crystal Ship is a nice coloured vinyl EP (I received a grape version, with peach the alternative colour) and has 4 tracks. On the A side are two fabulous covers of mid sixties numbers. Firstly, the 'titular' Crystal Ship by the Doors, now I reckon you've got to be brave to take on covering this iconic classic, though from the first gentle guitar twang and mellow tempo-ed approach you know TLoEH have nailed it, doing the original service as well as bringing their own flavour to the mix. I have to admit that I'd never heard of the other track 'Black Sheep' nor the band SRC, my bad, though I greatly enjoyed it, and searching out the original, again TLoEH have done the track justice. Whilst on the B side of the EP are two tracks off Alligators Eat Gumdrops, Bangalore and This is strange, both smashing pop/psyche numbers. Alligators Eat Gumdrops was originally released as a limited edition CD, although nowadays only the download option is available. Alligators Eat Gumdrops is an album of beautifully crafted pop/psych tracks, all relatively short numbers too, which only increases that pop sensibility. From the first track 'High Heeled Flippers' you know your going to be in for a treat, and you're not mistaken, track after track hitting the spot. There's a magpie-esque nature to the influences in TLoEH/Curvey's work, though 'one' of Curvey's gifts is that whereas you or I may gather loads of threads and we'd end up with a mess of knots, Curvey ends up with a lavish tapestry.  A guitar rift there, the tinkle of keys there and the tone is set, one moment your mind is thrown back to those iconic sounds indicative of the British psych explosion that followed on from the mods in the mid sixties, suddenly the scene may change and you're transported to early eighties, there's an echo of bands like The Church swirling about in some of the atmospheres this album creates, early 80's post mod/psych/indie flavours abound, with some nice sax and keys too, then whoosh, and there are more of those airy sounds you'd associate with sixties psych, along with a spattering of folk/psych, and so so much more. Wisps of abundant and wide ranging influences abound, though only ethereal wisps, mind, this isn't an attempt at reproduction, a homage or doff of the cap, maybe, although the album is most certainly contemporary. What the album definitely is though, is The Luck of Eden Hall, there's no mistaking their original sound and arrangement style, and again for authenticity it's watermarked with Curvey's distinct vocal style. A fantastic album, I loves it, I do! Towards the mid 60's the 'mods' discovered psychedelia, and for a period their music was steeped in those flavours. In the late 70's/early 80's there was a second generation of 'mods', who took up the baton and music influences of their cultural forebears and embraced and evolved them, and they too went on to experienced their period of psychedelic discovery. I don't know about you, but to my ears at least (and I was a 2nd gen mod), on Alligators Eat Gumdrops The Luck of Eden Hall have picked up that psychedelic mod baton again, buffed it up, evolved it further, re-energized it by sprinkling on their magic and ran like the wind with it. And, wow, what a fantastic job they've done, creating a contemporary slice of modernist psychedelia.....very nice indeed! A must for any collection, and check the rest of their catalogue too, it's fabulous.

As you'd imagine, the musicianship is, par excellence, combine that with the quality song writing and thoughtful lyrics, and from the first listen you know you've got yourself another chunk of The Luck of Eden Hall gold. For me, the only down side is that it took me 6 years to discover this little gem or 'midget' gem, if you will. Get it?

As I proof read this post, and as if to support my assertions, the gas man has just serviced our boiler and commented that he liked the music I was playing (Alligators Eat Gumdrops) and his words when I told him it was a contemporary band were, 'right,  I though I could hear the Human League, it's got that 80's sound, but thought it was a 60's band I was listening to and that Human League must have pinched their sound'. Well I never.