Jacco Gardner - Hypnophobia

  by Keith How

published: 8 / 6 / 2015

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Review

God Bless Instagram ! As if by magic I fell upon “themadalchemistliquidlightshow” whose psychedelic light show provide incredible backdrops for shows in San Francisco. While checking out his pictures (I recommend you take a peek), I discovered loads of new bands making really great music. Jacco Gardner looked particularly interesting, so more investigation revealed 2013’s 'Cabinet of Curiosities', and soon that shiny LP was bringing my household into raptures with its sublime 60’s- influenced baroque psychedelia. 'Hypnophobia' is Jacco Gardner’s second album. It was recorded again in his Shadow Shoppe Studio near Amsterdam, and what a lovely piece of work it is. Fulfilling the promise of that first album, it is packed with shimmering sunny baroque/psychedelic melodies and much cosmic fantasy. Gardner weaves a beautiful keyboard influenced spell that really captures a retro atmosphere . 'Another You' sets the tone with a spooky synth before breaking into a classic slice of power pop with gorgeous harmonies. 'Grey Lines' follows. A swirling cinematic instrumental that hypnotises you, it would not be out of place in a 1960’s movie. Gardner’s new compositions reflect a new world view born from being on tour and experiencing new places and people. He uses vintage instruments found and purchased on the road, and 'Hypnophobia' becomes a sonic masterpiece with mellotrons, harpsichords and a Wurlitzer electric piano which creates a beautiful retro vibe that is completely today. 'Find Yourself' is underpinned by a McCartney-esque bass, while 'Face to Face' echoes Syd Barrett but never imitates him, the ethereal vocals reflecting the best in psychedelic power pop from the classic mid 60’s era. This is amazingly all his own work - he plays all the instruments! Since 'Cabinet of Curiosities' Gardner’s songwriting has matured yet retained that delightful ability to sound “fresh as a daisy” while still reflecting the past. 'Before the Dawn' is blissed out and dreamy and in keeping with the title track '“Hypnophobia', which is a trippy dynamic journey to an alternate reality that hints at where Gardner might be heading in the future. You have often heard it said that “they don’t make them like that any more.” Actually they do and here is a prime example. It is the sound of Summer. Enjoy.

Track Listing:-

1 Another You
2 Grey Lanes
3 Brightly
4 Find Yourself
5 Face To Face
6 Outside Forever
7 Before The Dawn
8 Hypnophobia
9 Make Me See
10 All Over

Band Links:-

http://www.jaccogardner.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jaccogardnerm
https://twitter.com/jaccogardner
https://jaccogardner.bandcamp.com/

Label Links:-

https://www.youtube.com/user/FullTimeH
http://www.fulltimehobby.co.uk/main/
https://www.facebook.com/FullTimeHobby
https://twitter.com/fulltimehobby
https://plus.google.com/10126594550286