Style: Free Psych, Space Rock Revival, Acid Folk, Shoegaze
Moods: Melancholy Nocturnal,, Searching, Lethargic, Stoned, Sombre, Lonely, Cathartic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Riffs, Fuzzy, Climactic, Washy, Improvisation, Loose, Noisy
Style: Free Psych, Free Folk, Sound Collage, Experimental, Jam Band
Moods: Celebratory, Communal, Joyful, Earthy, Exploratory, Ritualistic, Playful, Meandering, Uplifting, Sunny, Whimsical, Psychedelic, Spontaneous, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Collage, Field Recordings, Spoken Word, Jams, Acoustic, Raw
Featured Musicians: Joe Rainey, jaimie branch, Laraaji, Thor Harris, Ryan Olsen, Ikue Mori
Style: Algonquian & Pocasset Powwow Music, Neo-Psychedelia
Moods: Ceremonial, Communal, Cathartic, Colorful, Spiritual, Intense, Tribal, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Chants, Collage, Electro-Acoustic, Rhythmic
Style: Space Rock, Prog, Shoegaze
Vibe: Epic, Washy, Ethereal, Adventure, Driving, Energetic, Warm, Spacey, Blissful, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Dense, Progressive, Riffs, Noisy, Uncommon Time Signatures
Style: Country-Psych, Folk-Funk, Jam Band
Vibe: Aquatic, Summer, Warm, Groovy, Spacey, Laid Back, Playful, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Improvisation, Loose, Lo-Fi
Style: Aquatic Psych, Folk-Funk
Vibes: Swampy, Ethereal, Mystical, Utopian, Relaxed, Dreamy, Swagger, Contemplative, Warm, Playful, Whispery, Soothing
Qualities: Groovy, Atmospheric, Percussive, Dub Fx, Vocal Delays, Headphone Album
Style: Desert Rock, Spaghetti Western, Heavy Psych
Vibe: Adventure, Epic, Desert, Triumphant, Western, Cinematic, Focused
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Riffs, Atmospheric, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Electric Guitars, Slide Guitar, Bass, Drums, Melodica
Style: Prog, Psych Rock, Acid Folk
Vibe: Epic, Mysterious, Ancient, Eclectic, Suspenseful, Spiritual, Retro
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Riffs, Atmospheric, Complex
Style: Psychedelic Math Rock, Free Rock
Vibe: Desert, Serpentine, Epic, Adventure, Intertwined, Energetic, Bombastic, Mystical
Musical Qualities: Shredding, Riffs, Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental, Uncommon Time Signatures, Noisy
Style: Ritual-Psych, Free Rock, Krautrock
Vibe: Witchy, Ritualistic, Fiery, Tribal, Cathartic, Free, Hypnotic, Mysterious, Mystical, Primal, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Suite, Repetitive, Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Percussive, Growling Vocals
Style: Cosmic Folk, Psych Rock, Space Ambient
Vibe: Cosmic, Whimsical, Surreal, Bright, Sunny, Mystical, Mythic, Poetic, Uplifting
Qualities: Atmospheric, Conceptual, Eclectic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizers, Spoken Word, Tabla, Flute, Violin, Harp, Drums, Slide Guitar
Style: Free Psych
Vibe: Exploratory, Ritualistic, Primal, Hallucinogenic, Amorphous, Murky, Tribal, Meandering, Communal, Chaotic
Musical Qualities: Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Dub Fx, Tape Collage, Noisy, Dissonant
Style: Free-Rock, Ritual-Psych, Group Therapy
Vibe: Meandering, Hallucinogenic, Communal, Ritualistic, Surreal, Messy, Amorphous, Mysterious, Playful, Eccentric, Tribal, Warm
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Loose, Percussive, Jams, Suite
Style: Psych Rock, Prog
Vibe: Adventure, Epic, Mysterious, Fuzzy, Psychedelic, Retro, Energetic, Propulsive
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Dense, Jams, Progressive
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Organ, Saxophone, Electric Bass, Drums, Synthesizers, Flute, Tanpura
Style: Free Psych, Space Rock, Shoegaze, Jam Band
Vibe: Primordial, Murky, Transcendent, Epic, Exploratory, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Meandering, Cathartic, Spiritual, Psychedelic, Washy, Nocturnal, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Droney, Noisy, Suite, Dynamic, Climactic, Collective Improvisation, Riffs, Atmospheric, Repetitive
Style: Heavy Psych, Prog, Krautrock, Free Rock
Vibe: Adventurous, Hallucinogenic, Spacey, Exploratory, Playful, Messy, Primal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Fuzz, Riffs, Bluesy, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Noise Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Shoegaze
Vibe: Cryptic, Surreal, Hypnotic, Ethereal, Nocturnal, Anxious, Washy
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Fuzzy, Catchy, Atmospheric, Lo-fi, Reverbed Production, Repetitive
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Post-Rock
Influences: Arabic Folk, Horror Soundtracks, Kosmisch, Library Music, Spaghetti Westerns, Prog, Stoner Rock, American Primitive Guitar, Raga
Vibe: Adventure, Driving, Cinematic, Exploratory, Epic, Ominous, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Dynamic, Fuzzy, Riffs, Progressive, Atmospheric
Style: Folk Rock, Psych, Jam Band
Vibe: Scorched, Summer, Desert, Stoned, Pastoral Peaceful, Sunny, Traveling, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Improvisation, Fuzzy, Mellow, Riffs, Loose
Style: Free-Psych, Ritual Folk, New Weird Americana
Vibe: Ceremonial, Communal, Hallucinogenic, Mysterious, Amorphous, Earthy, Cathartic, Primal, Murky, Ritualistic, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Free-Form, Atmospheric, Dissonant, Group Vocals, Repetitive, Chants, Percussive
Style: Free-Psych, Spiritual Stoner Rock, Drone-Rock
Influences: Shoegaze, Spiritual Jazz, Kosmische, Prog, Drone
Vibe: Mysterious, Nocturnal, Spiritual, Exploratory, Brooding, Amorphous, Witchy, Murky, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Washy, Hypnotic, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Repetitive, Atmospheric, Loose, Noisy, Instrumental
Style: Free Rock, Ritual Psych
Vibe: Communal, Mystical, Ritualistic, Meandering, Warm, Cathartic, Psychedelic, Primal, Fuzzy
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Suite, Chants, Lo-fi, Loose, Repetitive
Style: Acid Rock, Electric Blues, Psychedelic Funk, Fuzz-Soul
Vibe: Bluesy, Passionate, Confident, Fuzzy, Nocturnal, Sensual, Stoned, Powerful, Groovy
Musical Qualities: Live Performance, Jams, Raw, Feedback, Technical, Improvisation, Rhythmic
Style: Freeform Psych, Krautrock, Space Ambient
Vibe: Ancient, Mysterious, Surreal, Exploratory, Cosmic, Spiritual, Warm, Psychedelic, Cathartic, Hypnotic, Amorphous
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Atmospheric, Loose, Improvisation, Dynamic, Crescendo, Percussive
These guys are my favorite American Rock band. Every album they’ve released explores different sides of rock, folk, experimental and psychedelic music in such a natural, unforced way that my mind usually envisions them jamming by a campfire in the woods. What’s even better is I imagine I’m there with them singing along and worshipping the great creative spirit that inspires their music. There’s such an unpretentious, inclusive sense of community and spirituality in their music that I can’t help but feel welcomed and embraced into the family.
Style: Drone Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Meditative, Desert, Hypnotic, Soothing, Spiritual, Western, Lethargic, Determined, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Slow, Riffs, Repetition, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Instrumental
Style: Drone Rock, Free-Psych, Space Rock
Vibe: Hazy, Exploratory, Lethargic, Meandering, Cathartic, Dreamy, Loose, Hypnotic, Murky, Communal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Noisy, Dynamic, Lo-fi, Climactic, Riffs, Jams
Style: Jazz-Rock, Prog, Kosmische, Psychedelic Jazz, Space Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Triumphant, Adventurous, Cosmic, Epic, Groovy, Spacey, Playful, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Progressive, Raga, Technical
Instrumentation: Saxophones (Soprano & Alto), Flutes, Nadaswaram, Mallet Percussion (Vibraphone, Marimba, Hammered Dulcimer), Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Saz, Keyboards (Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet)
Style: Free-Rock, Psychedelic Drone Rock, Space Rock, Noise Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Fuzzy, Meandering, Psychedelic, Epic, Hypnotic, Noisy
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Droney, Dense, Loose, Lo-fi
Style: Psych Rock, Free Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Surreal, Ritualistic, Murky, Motorik, Mysterious, Cryptic, Menacing, Suspenseful, Primal
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Driving
Style: Free Psych, Space Rock, Jam Band, Shoegaze
Vibe: Adventurous, Communal, Cathartic, Murky, Epic, Psychedelic, Exploratory, Monolithic, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Droney, Atmospheric, Fuzzy, Loose, Riffs
Style: Space Rock, Stoner-Prog, Heavy Psych
Vibe: Rebellious, Heavy, Driving, Spacey, Sci-Fi, Triumphant, Confident, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Riffs, Progressive
Style: Psychedelic Jazz, Jam Band, Post-Minimalism, Free Rock
Influences: Tishoumaren, Free Jazz, Kosmische Musik, Minimalism
Vibe: Hypnotic, Communal, Psychedelic, Earthy
Musical Attributes: Collective Thematic Improvisation, Live, Loose, Microtonal, Odd Time Signatures, Repetitive, Percussive
Style: Drone Rock, Stoner Rock, Heavy Psych
Vibe: Triumphant, Deliberate, Focused, Fuzzy, Heavy, Powerful, Hypnotic, Western
Musical Attributes: Repetitive, Riffs, Slow, Droney, Feedback
Style: Psychedelic Jam Band
Vibe: Bluesy, Cosmic, Meandering, Pastoral, Rustic
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Riffs
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Art Rock??Vibe: Restless, Eclectic, Energetic, Anthemic, Introspective, Spiritual??Musical Attributes: Riffs, Melodic, Dense, Percussive
Style: Tishoumaren, Desert Blues, Psych
Vibe: Hypnotic, Desert, Groovy, Energetic, Warm, Uplifting, Conscious, Passionate, Psychedelic
Style: Progressive Acid-Folk, Ritual-Folk, Psych
Moods: Sombre, Earthy, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Brooding, Exploratory, Mysterious, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Complex, Dynamic
Style: Psych Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Dreamy, Catchy, Lush, Warm, Alienation, Psychedelic, Studio-as-an-instrument
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Headphone Album
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Free Rock, Jam Band, Tishoumaren-Influenced
Vibe: Groovy, Hypnotic, Colorful, Ritualistic, Communal, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Microtonal (Just Intonation), Improvisation (Collective), Instrumental, Progressive, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Thematic
Style: Loner Folk, Psych Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Introspective, Loner, Dark, Nocturnal, Psychedelic
Lyrical Themes: Philosophical, Existential, Death, Personal
Style: Psych Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Introspective, Mystical, Spiritual, Confident, Conscious, Existential, Hypnotic, Motorik, Psychedelic, Uplifting
Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
The free-form psychedelia and tribal “group therapy” of Sunburned Hand of the Man are in great hands with producer Kieran Hebden (Four Tet)—his dubs and cuts transform their usually lo-fi, meandering jams into something much more immediate, without losing any of their exploratory and spontaneous energy. Recommended for fans of polyrhythmic Afro-inspired percussion, dubbed out production, communal sound rituals, and dense psychedelia.
Style: Dream Pop, Psych Rock
Vibe: Dreamy, Groovy, Psychedelic, Ethereal, Sensual, Love, Nocturnal
Released in 2009 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Style: Kosmische Music, Psychedelic Rock, Space Rock
Influences: Arabic Music, African Music, Prog
Vibe: Exploratory, Psychedelic, Desert, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Studio-as-an-instrument, Sound Collage, Riffs
Released in 2019 on 33-33 Records Format: LP Style: Free-Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Experimental Rock Influences: Arabic Folk Music, Free Improvisation, Drone, Indian Classical Music Vibe: Exploratory, Cathartic, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Spiritual Musical Attributes: Improvisation Members: Sir Richard Bishop (Guitar, Piano), Chris Corsano (Drums), Alvarius Bishop (Bass, Vocals), Michael Flower (Japanese Banjo)
Style: Canterbury Scene, Psych Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Whimsical, Joyful, Eccentric, Spacey, Playful
Musical Attributes: Raw, Progressive, lo-fi
Released in 1972 on United Artists Records Recorded 1971 Format: LP
Originally released in 2009 on Invada Records Temporary Residence Reissue Format: LP
Style: Psych Rock
Vibe: Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic, Stoned, Retro
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Riffs, Loose, Dense
Released in 2010 on Blue Horizon Format: LP Recommended Tracks: B3 – True Believers, A1 – Bad Vibrations, B2 – Entrance Song
Released in 2017 on ATO Records Format: LP, Vomit splatter vinyl
Released in 2010 on Modular Records Format: LPx2
Released in 1968 on Probe Records 1968 Second Pressing Format: LP
Released in 2016 on Mexican Summer Format: LP, white vinyl
Originally released in 1969 on Warner Bros. Records 1973 Pressing Format: LPx2
Released in 2013 on Bella Union UK Pressing Format: LPx2, Bonus 7″, Holographic Cover Studio album takes up sides A, B, & C. Side D contains “We Don’t Control the Controlled (mashed-the-fuck-up-remix, Dan Deacon and the Electric Worms’ Insight Violence)” 7″ includes “Sun Blows Up Today” b/w “All You Need Is Love (featuring Alex and …
Released in 2015 on Joyful Noise Records Recorded April 4-5, 2014 Format: LP, clear seafoam green vinyl
Released in 1999 on Warner Bros Original [PIAS] Pressing Format: LPx2, including bonus tracks not on CD version
Released in 1971 on United Artists Records Original US Pressing Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1969 on Liberty Records 2014 pressing on Purple Pyramid Format: LP, pink/blue swirl vinyl Includes Poster
Originally released in 1967 on Elektra 2012 Rhino Pressing, cut from original analogue masters Format: LP
Darkly cinematic rock instrumentals with some creeping, Dostoevskian vibes. This is probably the most meticulous and progressive album I’ve heard from these guys, who are always finding new ways of funneling their omnivorous library of influences into their dramatic and atmospheric psych rock stylings.
After 20+ years of using his introspective songwriting as a playground for psychedelic lo-fi experimentation, underdog hero Emil Amos hands the production reins to John Angello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.) for his most polished album yet, capturing the best aspects of 70’s rock classics without ever feeling cliché. The hi-fi analogue production brings a newfound clarity and depth that allows Amos’ songwriting and instrumental performances to bloom; the choruses are anthemic, the atmospheres are darkly psychedelic, and his lyrics are just as philosophical and contemplative as ever.
The new album from guitarist Yonatan Gat finds cohesiveness in its sprawling diversity. Stylistically it combines the rawness of garage rock, the thematic improvisation of Free jazz, and the experimental editing of musique concréte with psychedelic production, Arabic and Klezmer scales and surfy tremelo guitars.
Style: Psych Pop, Surf, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Surreal, Sunny, Warm, Retro, Playful, Existential, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Progressive
Released in 2012 by Numero Group Recorded in 1976 Format: LP Overview Originally recorded in 1976, this psychedelic latin-jazz masterpiece never got a proper release due to both a lack of interest from record labels and Lovo’s family having to flee from Nicaragua in fear of the mass executions committed by the Sandinista government. Thanks …
Three volumes of instrumental heavy-psych jams from Denmark, inspired by Black Sabbath, jazz fusion and krautrock.
Style: Psych-Pop
Vibe: Sunny, Happy, Catchy
Musical Attributes: Simple, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Melodic
Compilation of 3 EPs released in 2013 on Temporary Residence Format: LPx2, etchings on each side
Released in 2008 on Important Records Format: LP
Album Information: Released in 2014 on Mexican Summer Hand numbered: 139/1000 Format: 12″ EP
While each Grails album uses instrumental rock as a means to explore a vast record collection’s worth of influences, none have done so with the subtlety and focus put into each track of this latest offering, allowing us to see the intangible essence of their sound more clearly than ever.
Taking a detour from his usual loner-droner psych folk style, Ben Chasney enlists former Comets on Fire bandmates to jam some heavy rock burners with a a cosmic amount of electric guitar shredding, evoking Neil Young & Crazy Horse blasting off on a rocket. The new electric energy brought to this album is balanced out by an equal amount of the fingerpicking prog-folk and meditative acoustic ballads that have been developing in his music since the 90’s. While I will always love his more melancholy, nocturnal records that sound like he’s lost in a forest somewhere, I welcome the fiery energy of Ascent.
Album Information: Released in 2011 on Partisan Records Produced by Emil Amos Jeff Stuart Saltzman recorded tracks B1, B3, B5 and mixed track A2. Ash Black Buffalo – Synths on A1, B1, B4 and B5 All other instruments by Emil Amos A3 written by The Troggs Recommended Tracks: Slow Days, Look of Pain!, Reckless Liberation
Album Information: Released in 2009 on Downtown Music Exposion originally released in 2008 and is included as a bonus LP Origin: Austin, TX Format: LPx2
Soft Machine’s second album is an eclectic suite packed full of whimsical psychedelia, Dadaist detours, complex prog structures and jazz-inspired musicianship.
For fans of eclectic psych rock, communal freakfolk celebrations, and references to Kurt Vonnegut and Pharoah Sanders
I highly recommend this album to any nocturnal recluses looking for a shadowy singer-songwriter to listen to during their next existential crisis. Emil’s experimental blend of hi- and lo-fi recording methods and tasteful use of psychedelic atmospheres allow his strong songwriting to take precedent, while simultaneously offering plenty of new textures to discover with each subsequent listen. Diverse range of influences include Indian classical, psychedelic rock, drone, folk, dub…the list goes on.
