Not Another Music Blog.: psychedelic

Tuesday, 9 January 2018

Track Review: yawwn - 'Partisan'

'Partisan' is the debut single from Wimbledon-based indie five-piece yawwn. The band have worked with producer and fellow Wimbledon native Lou E to craft a sound that blends psych-rock with indie-pop to great effect.

The track opens with a lovely drum groove that is brought to life by arpeggiated synth loops and a psychedelic influenced sample that sounds as if its been pulled straight off an American TV show in the 60s. The instrumentation is adventurous and daring with little moments of experimentation throughout the verses. In the chorus, the simple vocal hook contrasts well with the busy and exciting rhythm section. The chorus is very strong. The simplicity of the lyrics ('I have a feeling that I'll need you always') coupled with the catchiest of vocal melodies will have live audiences singing in droves in no time. The final stages of the track are a joy. The drum groove simplifies and the brilliant vocals and chord progressions amount to a triumphant pop influenced climax.

For a debut single yawwn have pulled off something really impressive here. The track is catchy, fun, experimental and overall the band show great musical talent. The tune launches on the 13th of January at the first of their 'CLUB YAWWN' nights in Wimbledon before the release of their debut EP later on in the year. It's exciting times for yawwn and 'Partisan' has definitely peaked our interest.

Check out 'Partisan' below.

Follow our socials to keep up to date with new posts and features from Not Another Music Blog.

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

EP Review: Tempesst - 'Adult Wonderland'

Tempesst are fronted by London based, Australian-born twins Andy and Toma Banjanin. After breaking into the psychedelic rock scene in 2015 with a string of brilliant singles, they have arrived with their debut EP 'Adult Wonderland'.

The four-track EP kicks off with the dreamy 'Waiheke'. Lazily played drums lay the ground work for a song with layered vocals and swirling, reverberated slide guitars, not too dissimilar from an early Fleet Foxes track. This is a perfect opener for the EP and sets the relaxed tone for the whole record. Second track 'Tidal Wave' cranks up the momentum without deviating too much from the bands overall sound. The lead vocals are brilliantly backed by falsetto harmonies in the chorus before developing into a Beatles-esque middle-eight. The guitar solo towards the end of the track is a welcome addition, with dirty 60s tones and blues inspired licks.

Though the two opening tracks are equally great, it's on 'Feel Better' where Tempesst really come to life. This song has some serious #riffs. The guitar break before the first verse kicks in is a real 'fist pump' moment. Banjanin's vocals in the verses are reminiscent of Kurt Vile, but those trusty vocal harmonies return in the chorus to great effect. There are added moments of magic here with female backing vocals that could have come straight from 'Gimme Shelter' by legendary The Rolling Stones, and a developing guitar riff that builds throughout getting more distorted as the song goes on. The EP closer 'God Knows I Need A Muse' see's Tempesst crooning away to a 60s inspired psychedelic backdrop. The arppegiated synths and experimental guitars build to a noisy crescendo giving the EP the perfect ending.

With this debut EP, Tempesst have really set the bar high. A must listen for any flare-wearing, psychedelic-loving rock fans.

Listen to 'Feel Better' here

Follow our socials to keep up to date with new posts and features from Not Another Music Blog.