psychopompe

 A child in a fire-red raincoat, lost in a forest that is both fairy-tale-like and eerily remote, all moss and conifers, nose pointed upwards, gazing at the sky.

 Be careful, the degree of appreciation for this album can vary greatly depending on how much of these sounds you’ve digested over the years; it might fascinate you as much as it might nauseate you due to its sheer faithfulness to the sources.

Jacco Gardner's debut album, Cabinet Of Curiosities, offers a detailed homage to '60s psychedelic pop, closely reminiscent of Syd Barrett's style. Gardner personally handled most of the instrumentation, crafting an album rich with prog-like and medieval psych folk elements. The evocative cover art matches the album's dreamy, childlike atmosphere. Listener enjoyment depends greatly on their existing taste for vintage psychedelic sounds. Dive into Jacco Gardner’s Cabinet Of Curiosities and experience a vibrant journey through '60s psych-pop!

 If you’re looking for the new Sonics or the new Music Machine, you’re on the wrong record.

 The opening track “Catamaran” lays out the best cards: dusty sound, swaying tempo, warm organ that intervenes to cast even more sun on the already lazy atmosphere.

Allah-Las' self-titled debut album faithfully channels the softer side of 60s garage rock with rich California harmonies and melodies. Despite initial skepticism, the reviewer praises its warm, nostalgic atmosphere and variety, citing it as one of 2012's best garage releases. Standout tracks include "Catamaran" and "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)". The album balances vintage style with subtle modern twists. Discover the nostalgic Californian charm of Allah-Las' debut—listen now and dive into classic 60s garage rock reimagined.

 The four Chileans show their proficiency in handling robotic rhythms, vintage keyboards full of space blob effects, mantra-like bass lines, and perpetually delayed guitars.

 Pulsar which seem like a rave party between Orion and Saturn, while gusts of synth and six-string lashes try to revive us from an encephalic collapse. Brilliant track, period.

Föllakzoid's II is a krautrock-inspired psychedelic album from Santiago, Chile, that blends German motorik beats with warm Latin sensibilities. The band is praised for their skillful execution of robotic rhythms and vintage synth textures, creating a cosmic and hypnotic soundscape particularly exemplified in tracks like '9' and the 15-minute 'Pulsar'. The album stands out as an original and heartfelt take on the genre, avoiding the pitfalls of forced trendiness. Dive into Föllakzoid's cosmic krautrock journey – listen to II and explore Chilean psychedelic soundscapes now!

 For once the wait was not in vain.

 A mandatory pick-up for lovers of the lesser-known side of their own brain.

MMOSS's second album 'Only Children' successfully follows up their acclaimed debut with refined psych-pop and psychedelic rock inspired by late '60s England. The album balances melodic transverse flute with krautrock and space rock elements, highlighted by standout tracks like 'War Sux' and 'Wander.' A must-listen for psych rock enthusiasts seeking intricate and evocative music. Dive into MMOSS's 'Only Children' and experience a masterful journey through psychedelic soundscapes and instrumental genius.

 "'No Holier Temple' is a shadowy and fascinating album, enjoyable and not at all 'esoteric' as I’ve happened to read."

 "By a wide margin, and without any forewarning, personal album of the year, 2012."

Hexvessel's 'No Holier Temple' surprises by defying genre clichés with its eclectic psychedelic folk style rooted in Finnish atmosphere. The album blends influences from 70s Albion folk and mystical artists like Current 93. Despite expectations of pagan metal, it offers rich instrumentation and compelling compositions. Key tracks include the mournful 'Woods To Conjure' and the electric 'His Portal Tomb.' A near-masterpiece and personal album of the year 2012. Listen to Hexvessel’s 'No Holier Temple' for a deep dive into enchanting psychedelic folk!

 Formerly Extinct escapes all this thanks to the crystal-clear talent of the three, precise in the breaks, imaginative in the phrasing, and above all concise in the track durations.

 If the opening 'Idol’s Eye' could be an Indian version of Don Caballero, the following 'The Vault' grazes for half of its 4 mins in dissonant free prairies, before transfiguring into a kind of cosmic blues.

Rangda's second album, Formerly Extinct, showcases the spontaneous yet disciplined improvisation of three remarkable musicians. The album avoids clichés common in instrumental improvisation by featuring varied and concise tracks. The interplay of psychedelic folk guitar and free jazz drumming creates an engaging listening experience. Notable tracks blend influences from Indian raga to cosmic blues. Overall, it is praised as a standout surprise album from 2012. Explore Rangda's Formerly Extinct to experience masterful improvisation in folk and rock—listen now and dive into this unique sonic journey!

 White Manna graciously granted us one of the best psychedelic albums of last year.

 Winning the race against their neighbors, the Wooden, and producing the album that the Wooden Shjips have not been able to make for a while.

White Manna stands out in the psychedelic rock scene by refining and energizing a Spacemen 3-inspired sound. Their debut album surpasses similar acts like Wooden Shjips with dynamic rhythms and a garage rock vocal style. Featuring standout tracks such as "Acid Head" and "Sweet Jesus," the album combines cosmic journeys with powerful crescendos. Overall, it ranks among the best psychedelic albums of 2012. Listen to White Manna's hypnotic psychedelic journey—explore their standout 2012 album now!

 La Piramide doesn’t speak, it just plays (and excels). But above all, it explores.

 'Tebe' boasts enviable internal cohesiveness and an astounding polychromy of styles and genres.

The review highlights La Piramide Di Sangue's 'Tebe' as a groundbreaking and eclectic album in the Italian music scene. Blending krautrock, cosmic jazz, and Middle Eastern influences, the septet creates a cohesive and mesmerizing sound. The album is praised for its adventurous instrumentation and the way it defies typical nationalistic biases toward Italian music. Each track offers distinct moods and styles, resulting in a psychedelic and multifaceted listening experience. Explore 'Tebe' by La Piramide Di Sangue and dive into a psychedelic blend of world music and avant-garde rock today!

 For once a dispensable album in the long discography of Ben Chasny, but certainly not a bad album.

 It’s written Six Organs of Admittance but read as Comets On Fire.

Six Organs Of Admittance's album Ascent marks a shift from Ben Chasny's usual style, embracing a heavier, noisy guitar sound with the return of Comets On Fire members. The album blends folk origins with psychedelic rock elements, showcasing both strengths and some weaker moments. While not typical for Chasny, it offers interesting reinterpretations and proves that the spirit of early Comets On Fire is still alive. Overall, an engaging yet somewhat dispensable record in Chasny's discography. Listen to Ascent and discover a unique blend of folk roots and heavy psychedelic noise with Six Organs Of Admittance and Comets On Fire.

 In this second album, however, good old Geoff seems to have found the perfect balance, focusing the rhythms and atmospheres into songs.

 A mandatory Chapeau for 'Wulfstan II', with an almost Hawkwind-like appeal, driven for all 7 minutes by an obsessive guitar riff.

Beak's second album marks a refined reinvention of krautrock's cosmic and motorik traditions. Geoff Barrow balances lengthy, psychedelic tracks with focused songcraft, evoking luminaries like Neu and Can. The album avoids the excesses of their debut by delivering cohesive songs full of tension and atmosphere, with standout tracks such as 'Wulfstan II' showcasing intense riffs and climaxes. This release is both a homage and a fresh take on classic German avant-garde rock. Explore Beak's immersive krautrock journey—listen to >> and experience psychedelic mastery!