New releases this week: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: Famous as the nephew of the world famous sitarist Ravi Shankar, Ananda Shankar carried the torch by contributing several greats to the continuing tide of prog rock and Western electronica. One such project was Sa-Re-Ga Machan, first released in 1981, and which lent a jungle-safari theme to the already established electronic rock fusions he'd laid down on his earlier self-titled record. Seguing through rollicking, schools-out psychedelic odysseys, not to mention humid, wonderfully sublime tropical soundscapes on which we can't tell what's synthetic and what isn't, this is an worthy new reissue from Life Goes On; worth every penny.

Review: Message From The Country marks a pivotal moment for The Move in 1971, signaling changes on the horizon. The album showcases the band pushing their sound to its limits, incorporating intricate harmonies, lush arrangements, and Beatles-esque influences. Led by Jeff Lynne's songwriting and arranging, the record exhibits a charmingly ornate yet accessible blend of rock and pop-psych elements. Despite facing challenges as a reduced trio and shifting away from live performances, the Move delivered their most complex and cohesive album. From the post-psychedelic title track to the driving energy of 'Ella James' and the airy pop-psychedelia of 'No Time,' each song contributes to a unified and powerful listening experience. Message From The Country holds its own against the White Album with its blend of musical innovation and accessibility. While it may have been overshadowed by the emergence of Electric Light Orchestra, the album remains essential for fans of the Move, ELO, and Roy Wood alike.

Review: Nimbus by Sunburned Hand of the Man is a special journey into the band's enigmatic world, that is an ever-evolving experimental project. Recorded during a wintery week of sessions in Turner's Falls, MA, the album exudes a familial warmth and creative spontaneity as band members come together in a cozy setting to cook meals, reminisce, and make music. The album's sonic landscape is rich and varied, blending elements of psych-rock, spoken word, and instrumental improvisation. From the jaunty earworm Ishkabibble Magoo, featuring Phil Franklin's witty wordplay and infectious melody, to the haunting poetry-based pieces like 'Consider the Wound,' read by Peter Gizzi, the album traverses a wide emotional spectrum. Instrumental tracks like 'The Lollygagger' and 'Brainticket' showcase the band's musical dexterity, with dreamy synths, swirling guitars, and hypnotic rhythms creating immersive sonic textures. Each track feels like a sonic exploration, with layers of sound intertwining to create a captivating listening experience. Nimbus is a kaleidoscopic collage of sound and imagery that defies categorization and invites listeners to immerse themselves in Sunburned Hand of the Man's unique musical universe.

Review: Much contemporary and so-called cosmic American music lacks true cosmic essence, appearing more as imitation than innovation. Trummors' fifth album, 5, defies this norm with refreshing originality and exquisite execution. With lyrics akin to Robert Creeley's poetry and melodies that feel timeless, songs like 'Hey Babe' captivate with fatalistic beauty. Lerner and Cunningham's harmonies, complemented by skilled musicianship, create a captivating atmosphere and subtly blend genre conventions. Despite its rapid creation amidst uncertainty, 5 exudes both weight and airiness, ancient resonance and contemporary charm. Trummors' achievement in transcending tradition with confidence and immediacy is truly remarkable.

Review: "The album was inspired by my many happy DJ nights promoting my club night 'Club Pod' down in Brighton in the 1990s and my love of all things Sixties Freakbeat. I wanted to put as many great tracks as I could on one compilation to hopefully bring across the feeling of sheer joy from spinning these awesome tracks in a club and seeing the place go off," says Mark McQuillan, the man responsible for this expansive compendium to a driving 1960s sub genre of UK and US guitar undergrounds. The Haunted, The Birds, The Wimple Winch, The Remains, The Kinks, The Eyes, The Shadows of Knight, and The Action, all make appearances. As do other bands that don't start with 'the'. For example, Davie Allan & The Arrows, Count Five, and Spencer Matthews Band (just kidding). If you know, you know.