Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: Mexico city label Discodelic shares the first edition in their Eclipse series and sublabel, which focuses on obscure and undocumented or under-documented Mexican groups. On the first of two new 45s, the label focus on Los Sabios and Los Eliceos, two obscure monster Latin funk psych groups who recorded in the mid 1970s. Packed with a wowwing lead guitar focus and a vintage psychedelic baste, Los Sabios' 'Trip To The Moon' takes its name from the first ever sci-fi film, and aptly lays back while playing through a distinctive Latin pulse and swarthy funk dust-cloud. Eliceos' 'La Cabana', meanwhile, teleports us right on down to the poolside beach hut, as a chuffing electric organ line buzzes atop a bustling drummed undercurrent.

Review: Trip To The Moon by Los Sabios kicks off this cosmic 7" with its hypnotic rhythms and swirling synths, blending classic cumbia with spacey, psychedelic vibes. The A-side track is a journey into the unknown, pulsating with infectious grooves that feel like they've been beamed in from another galaxy. On the flip side, Los Eliceos deliver 'La CabaNa,' a more grounded yet equally entrancing tune, driven by tight percussion and warm, melodic guitar lines. Both tracks offer a fresh take on traditional cumbia, making this release a must-have for collectors and dance floor enthusiasts alike.

Review: LA Lom's March 2024 show at Chicago's Thalia Hall debuts on vinyl for Record Store Day 2025 a year or so after the band's defining live moment. Just months after packing the Empty Bottle, the band returned to an even larger crowd, which served as proof of their ever-growing Chicago fanbase. Determined to keep the raw energy of their LA roots alive, they built a bright red round stage in the centre of the hall and were surrounded by fans dancing and singing from every side. The night was captured on film and tape by longtime collaborator Jacob Butler and now, the much talked about performance featuring original tracks, classic cumbia covers and a Smokey Robinson ballad finally makes its way to wax.

Review: A cultish band who there at the dawn of psychedelic rock in Mexico and had a mind-bendingly beautiful sound full of revolutionary potential. In the late 60s when they formed and in the early 70s when this self-titled debut LP of theirs was released, the band were inspired by hippy counterculture and by politics. They're named after Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata whose influence still has a far-reaching influence today - the Zapatista social movement, with its far-left and anti-neoliberal ideology, takes its name from him. They were also at the forefront of La Onda (The Wave), a cultural and political movement that spawned Mexico's answer to Woodstock, Avandaro. Sonically, you can't get a better fit for a festival of that sort - you'll hear that they are quintessentially psych; loose and jangly with hip-shaking rhythms. Opener 'Nasty Sex' - their biggest international hit - works around a hypnotic riff and has a Cream-meets-surf rock tone; 'Shit City' cranks the free-spirited vibe up even further, while 'Platicas Con Un Rey' shows they could tackle a more pastoral psych sound, too. Few bands nail the true psychedelic rock sound this well.

Review: L.A. Witch is back with a marked evolution in their sound that pulls in aspects of garage rock and post-punk while exploring existential themes of love, devotion and subservience. Recorded in Paris, the trio of Sade Sanchez, Irita Pai and Ellie English push their craft to new realms with icy instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Tracks like 'Icicle' channel early goth vibes while '777' delves into fatalistic passion. The album also, we're told, explores the symbolic connection between women and dogs with themes of sacrifice and loyalty. All this makes it rather menacing yet oddly romantic, so DOGGOD revitalises the band's trademark sound while taking them into darker territories with haunting overtones.

Review: Independent Spanish label Munster Records benevolently reissue the sole record by Venezuelan psych rock band Ladies Water Closet. Made up of Adib Casta, Jaime Seijas, Mario Seijas and Stephen Scott, Ladies W.C. were prominent members of many other bands in the 60s psychedelia heyday, and yet the Water Closet was by far their most unserious project, consisting in ragtag twang-offs, dusty drum fill fandangos and yet quite amazing vocal performances, the combination of which factors likely went on to cause one online user to rightly call it "the most collectible record from Venezuela". No wonder they say so: only tens of copies were originally printed in 1968, and a reissue hasn't surfaced again since 1999. The wah pedal is really put to the metal here, so this must be a special privy midden indeed; but the cinematic synth moments are impeccable too, as on 'The Time Of Hope Is Gone'.

Review: For nearly a decade, this unique band has been carving out a unique underground sound, and Tracing The Sand By The Pool finds them at their most focused yet. Recorded entirely by the band, this twelve-track album is a collection of sharp, direct hits with no room for filler. Kicking off with 'Within', a track that balances Kiwi brightness with moments of near-chaos, the album showcases Chris Gunn's intricate guitar work, both melodic and brash. The band’s cover of The Hangmen’s ‘I'm Gonna Love You’ turns menace into a hopeful ballad, while guest appearances from Miranda Soileau-Pratt (The Spatulas) and Shelby Jacobson (The Tube Alloys) add depth. 'Snail On The Map' brings a touch of flower power with its dreamy pop, and 'Speak To Us In Feathers' layers cascading guitars and ethereal breaks. Throughout, the album blends 60s psych and distorted noise, offering a thrilling, unpredictable journey with every track. Boundless and full of surprises, this is The Lavender Flu's most exciting release to date.

Review: A new LP's full of beachside kraut-funk slinkiness from Lawne, the band formed in 2019 as the result of a divined meeting of minds between old friends and self-confessed music nerds Joe Nicklin and Joe Martin. These guys are hardly your average Joes; the new eight-track record for Wah Wah's offshoot 45s series was named after the self-storage unit the duo used as a studio for many years, and commands a coefficiently boxy and compacted sound, one that dodges claustrophobia despite its many rhythmic condensations, productive limitations (the project saw the pair move from shipping container to canal boat), and instrumental tightenings. When not going ham on the playing, this dreamy sonic buoy, constructed between the two, flaunts an impressive ability to float on synthetic water, 'Pool' being the pillowy third track to evoke associations as much.

Review: Cindy Lee's Diamond Jubilee invites listeners to experience an exquisite journey through sound and emotion. Hailed as a major contender for the 2024 Polaris Music Prize, this album offers a fascinating tapestry of ethereal melodies and haunting reflections. Crafted over countless hours in studios stretching from Toronto to Montreal, Patrick Flegel channels a unique blend of nostalgia and longing. With infectious hooks wrapped around evocative arrangements, Diamond Jubilee is a striking embodiment of innovation in experimental pop, solidifying Cindy Lee's position as an important figure in contemporary music.

Review: Long serving Anglo-Dutch masters of psychedelic and experimental soundscapes - formed in London in 1980 but who relocated, we couldn't possibly think why, to Amsterdam four years - Legendary Pink Dots return with an album that explores the anxieties and complexities of our increasingly digital world. Tracks like 'So Lonely In Heaven' and 'The Sound of the Bell' set the tone with their haunting melodies and atmospheric textures, while 'Dr. Bliss '25' and 'Sleight of Hand' delve into darker, more experimental territories. The album's lyrical themes explore the seductive nature of technology and the potential for isolation and alienation in a hyper-connected world. 'Choose Premium : First Prize' and 'Darkest Knight' offer a glimpse into the seductive promises of the digital realm, while 'Cold Comfort' and 'Wired High : Too Far To Fall' explore the darker side of technological dependence. Psychedelic soundscapes, introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements - that'll be acid-tinged business very much as usual, then.

Review: The LimiNanas' Faded takes the listener on a journey through their signature blend of psychedelic, garage rock, and French pop, while weaving in collaborations with several notable artists. Opening with the hypnotic 'Spirale,' the album quickly captures its moody, atmospheric vibe. Tracks like 'Prisoner of Beauty,' featuring Bobby Gillespie, bring an ethereal quality, while 'Shout,' featuring Rover, injects a punchier, more direct energy. The album explores a variety of textures and influences, with 'Degenerate Star,' featuring Jon Spencer and Pascal Comelade, adding a darker edge. This 2xLP reissue, housed in a gatefold sleeve with a spot-varnished finish, ensures the music and packaging are as captivating as ever.

Review: A stunning collection that blends The LimiNanas' signature French psychedelia with dynamic guest collaborations. The opening track, 'Spirale,' sets the tone with its hypnotic groove, pulling you into the album's atmospheric world. The duo enlists Bobby Gillespie for 'Prisoner of Beauty,' adding a layer of ethereal intensity. 'Shout,' featuring Rover, brings a punchier energy, while 'Degenerate Star,' featuring Jon Spencer and Pascal Comelade, introduces a gritty, garage rock edge. This album is a testament to the duo's ability to seamlessly incorporate diverse influences, with each track offering a fresh perspective while staying true to their unique sound.

Review: London Fog is the name of a live album by The Doors, but is also the name of a rock band who brought all new energy back in their day in the 1960s. In 1965, the buzz of 'swinging London' saw the opening of the Goldfinger-inspired 007 Club at the London Hilton. Harold Sakata, famously known as Oddjob, served as the host with Mick Mortimore spinning records as the DJ. Tony Craig and the Men About Town were the resident band and were captivating audiences at the city's most sought-after venue. Craig later formed the band London Fog and continued to perform regularly at the 007 Club while also recording this album full of soul and hard rock.

Review: Los Jaivas' Alturas de Macchu Picchu arrives newly remastered and reissued by state51 on heavyweight wax, and it remains a landmark of South American music. Its blurring of psychedelic rock, Andean folk and Pablo Neruda's poetic power makes the album, which was recorded in exile during Chile's Pinochet era, an evocation of both the spirit and struggle of Latin America. Tracks like 'La Poderosa Muerte' and 'Sube a Nacer Conmigo Hermano' swirl with emotion and complexity to deliver a cinematic spiritual experience. Inspired by Incan ruins and resistance, Alturas is more than music-it's a cultural beacon that invites you into a timeless soundscape.

Review: Los Straitjackets deliver a vibrant homage to instrumental surf rock, weaving twangy guitars and propulsive rhythms into a tightly crafted soundscape. The interplay of shimmering reverb and energetic beats evokes the golden era of the 1960s, while subtle modern twists keep the sound fresh and dynamic. The precision of the performances stands out, with each track radiating playful energy and technical finesse. The production highlights the raw, vintage feel without losing its polished clarity, bridging nostalgia with contemporary appeal.