"PSYCH-OUT USA" is a fantastic album sharply executed with precision songwriting and arrangements, by the Australian sixties underground band the Tol-Puddle Martyrs. The tracks on this album are no replication of the Sixties sounds, but instead are more primitive authentic 60s psychedelic garage/rock songs, that are comparable and competitive to some of the other elite groups of the sixties we have all grown so familiarly fond of, Such as: The Yardbirds, The Grass Roots, Status Quo, The Small Faces and The Beatles, among many other greats.
The album opens at a brisk and fun energetic pace with the title track "Psych-Out USA". Pete Rechter's crisp vocals and hard cutting lyrics, interwoven with tightly arranged guitar rhythms, keyboards, bass and drums patterns, with mellotron textures keeps up a steady flow of fizzling fuzz tones, without the instrumentation being overplayed or drowning out the finer elements of the songs, while delivering a true exciting feel of being at a groovy fun filled hip shaking 60s Rave.
"Into My Life", "Thinking About You", "Who's That Knocking" among some of the other songs included reflect great compassion with heartfelt soulful attitudes of love & joy that projects a quirky sassiness and wit that keeps the adrenaline flowing. While, "The Window", "Point of View" and Chapel & Vine" produce more of a softer melodramatic feel. All of which illustrates a visually enhancing mystical story and in depth meaning behind each song, with fine crafted melodic motifs that can be characterized by the perception of aspects of one's mind producing a real organic psychedelic experience.
Also included on this album is "Social Cell", which was originally recorded as a B-side for the obscure 1967 single "Time Will Come", which over the years has gained monumental status among 60s garage/rock collectors. This album is an absolute must have for anyone who enjoys the finer qualities of the true psychedelic garage/rock music, who want to go on a magic carpet ride back to the Sixties and take in a little history of British Invasion sounds first hand!
Reviewed by:
Jan (editor)
