Motorpsycho
Barracuda

The aforementioned band I believe needs no introduction. Among lovers of alternative music, Motorpsycho have become a well-established point of reference, a group of extreme prolificacy that has managed to churn out albums like Blissard, Timothy's Monster, and Demon Box throughout the nineties; deservedly entering the history of rock music... nonetheless, they remain little known to those not fond of the genre.

Yet the Norwegian guys have played a fundamental role since their inception within the indie universe, proposing eclectic, complex music, resulting from diverse influences and experiences that has been a source of inspiration for contemporary young bands (just think of our own Verdena) no less than the much more famous Smashing Pumpkins or other bands born overseas under the propulsive force of Cobain and his peers.

In 2001 they surprised everyone by releasing an EP that is little remembered and strangely scarcely mentioned by enthusiasts and sector critics, a work which immediately stands out for its extremely exotic title...

Barracuda consists of 7 tracks with a total duration of 33 minutes. Compared to previous works by the Trondheim guys, it is extremely homogeneous: indeed, no mixes of acoustic ballads, pop echoes, or long progressive suites can be found. The EP is constituted simply (well, so to speak) by explosive pieces of psychedelic rock largely influenced by the blues and 60s rock 'n' roll.

From the first track, the listener is catapulted into an aggressive, rough, dirty atmosphere: the hypnotic and heavy bass lines like boulders, the voice devoid of sweet dream pop melodies takes on a scratchy, powerful, screaming tone in every track, never left to itself as it is validly supported by an explosive rhythmically pounding drums and powerful, visceral guitars. Everything is flavored with atypical instrumentation for the classic power trio, composed of saxophones and trumpets, providing an overall commendable result that gives everything a taste that pleases, that thrills, listen after listen.

The opening track "Heartbreaker” stands out with its catchy chorus, the versatile Up 'gainst the Wall" able to mix jazz, funky, blues with the trio's psychedelic flair, the relentless "Vanishing Point” where a clear southern influence also emerges...

A concentrate of pure energy to experience and listen to over and over again.

Rating 8 out of 10.