Haight-Ashbury - Perhaps

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 8 / 6 / 2013

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Glasgow’s Haight-Ashbury combines classic folk and psychedelic strains, with a certain tinge of new magic all their own. Their third and latest album 'Perhaps' features the trio of lead vocalists Jen Thompson and Kristy Reid with guitarist Scott Reid. 'Poster Children' is the tantalising opener - an easy blend of the two female voices with a rich flow of swirling sound that washes over the listener. From nowhere near 1960's San Francisco, Haight-Ashbury is nevertheless evocative of that place and time - yet with a unique inventive new take that is not purely retro. With an accent on drums and tambourine, 'Sepia Song' is a lovely melody with an ambient, yet psychedelic spacey sound - astral but earthbound. 'Leylines' is a haunting melodic synthesis of the two female vocalists as Haight-Ashbury creates nirvana-inducing soundscapes that are almost chant like. '…And I (Novena)' is beautiful and a touch symphonic - rich in timbre and tone. With a strong guitar line, guitarist Scott also takes the lead vocal on 'Alibis”' with Jen and Kristy joining in with their lovely harmonies, conjuring sunny California pop here, yet delivered from Glasgow. 'Blow Your Mind' is the candy sweet confection of a single, capturing perfect 1960's psychedelic pop magic. The lyric aligns with the upbeat mood: “What a lovely waste of time… The past is gone for you and I… What a way to blow your mind.” The mantra like 'I Am' captures a bit of the Eastern mystic with its swaying guitar sound. As 'Can You Explain' begins, it likewise brings to mind an Indian raga - jangly, yet deep. 'Rest & Be Thankful' is wise and hopeful, bright and chiming, good natured: “We’re coming down off the mountain.” 'Mayflower' is the fine lyrically reflective closer: “Never knew what day it was/Was it just because I never knew you?” All in all, Haight-Ashbury’s 'Perhaps' is sonically soothing and melodic- a rewarding effort.

Track Listing:-

1 Poster Children
2 Sepia Song
3 Leylines
4 And I (Novena)
5 Alibis
6 Blow Your Mind
7 I Am
8 Family
9 Kicks
10 Can You Explain
11 Rest and Be Thankful
12 Mayflower

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/HaightAshbury/
http://www.haight-ashbury.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/haightashburyuk

Label Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/Lime-265197050157148/
http://www.limerecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Lime-265197050157148/

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