Haight-Ashbury - Perhaps
by Carl Bookstein
published: 8 / 6 / 2013

Label:
Lime Records
Format: CD
intro
Inventive folk/psychedelia on third album from 1960's-influenced Glasgow-based band, Haight-Ashbury
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 Children2 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/
soundcloud
reviews |
Haight-Ashbury 2: The Ashburys (2012) |
![]() |
Stunning second album from Glaswegian psychedelic folk trio Haight-Ashbury,which takes the darker sound of sixties California and makes it sound refreshingly new |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Liz Mitchell - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Waeve - Club Academy, Manchester, 18/3/2025
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Editorial - April 2025
Roberta Flack - 1937 - 2025
Dave Barbarossa - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboWings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Nigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart