Psyence
Midlands based alternative rock band Psyence release their self titled debut album, and what a treat to behold. Psyence were formed by life – long friends; they all met in school and is made up of Steve “Wedge” Pye on lead vocals and guitar, Jay “Colonel” Bellingham on bass, Joe “Gonzo” Walsh on drums, Ben “Pig” Nixon on keys and synthesizer and Jamie “Carty” Cartlidge on rhythm guitar and vocals.
The album begins and we are deep in blues rock territory. ‘Cold Blooded Killer’ is a riff heavy track, with a heavy blues rock guitar at the forefront. It is a real high energy rock track and a great way to start the album. But if you thought this was just going to be another blues rock infused album, you’d be very much mistaken. Psyence offers so much more.
As the album progresses it draws from a whole host of influences. You hear so much going on. ‘Black Hole’ is almost Strokes like, with Steves vocals and the jangly guitar, but it also has a feel of Britpop and perhaps what the Smiths would sound like, if they weren’t so miserable all the time!
‘Come Closer’ is another excellent track. Combining a great guitar riff, with an almost dream like vocal performance by Steve. A great guitar solo in the middle of the track with a surprise heavy rock riff to finish. Something about the song screamed Jethro Tull, especially that heavy rock riff and bass line at the end, guitar wise, it was Aqualung meets locomotive breath. And that, is a truly fantastic thing.
‘You Will Never Know’ is a dreamy electronic infused wah wah heavy track, that almost puts you in a dream state as you are listening to it. Only to be woken up very quickly by the hard rock intro of ‘Midnight Moonlight’. It really brings you back into reality with a bump. The hard hitting guitars are great and I especially like the harmonies on this one.
The final track is another change in direction for Psyence. A real jazz offering ‘A New Dawn’ gently brings the album to a close. Real smooth guitar parts as well as a jazzy synth really work well together.
This is a very mature album, the kind of album you would expect from a band who are established and have a solid fanbase and more importantly, a loyal following of fans. Is it a gamble to produce an album with such variation as a debut? Of course it is, but in the case of Psyence, I think it has well and truly paid off. A one trick pony, these guys are certainly not! I love the variation on the album and I love how unpredictable the songs are too, one minute you’re listening to something that is really psychedelic then you’re blasted into oblivion with a rock heavy riff, with amplifiers turned to 11. Are these the most diverse, most exciting band to come out in the last few years, quite possibly, yes. One thing’s for sure, I shall be seeing these live and I think I’ll be in for a real treat!
Released on Voodoo 7 Records
Release Date: 16th August 2019
