Various - Psych for Sore Eyes

by Anthony Strutt

published: 20 / 11 / 2014

Label: Sonic Cathedral
Format: 7" X2

Excellent, beautifully-packaged double 7 inch EP, the second in an occasional vinyl series, which highlights some of the best new psych acts

Review

The original ‘Psych for Sore Eyes 1’ commands huge amounts of cash, as will this as it has sold out pretty much on release. New psych has a big following, but to my ears not all new psych is good psychedelia. But this hits the right spots for the right reasons. Released on vinyl in a beautiful gatefold sleeve that folds out in coloured vinyl, the double 7 inch release opens with Morgan Delt’s ‘Elastic- ID’, which recalls the strangeness of the Beatles on tracks like ‘Rain’ and ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. It is both trippy and very hallucinogenic from its start to its finish. White Fence’s ‘Before He Met Her (Decomposing Lime)’ is possibly,as implied in the press release, the White Hills under another name. It is 60’s-influenced psychedelia in the style of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd but also has the tightness of the Soft Boys. Damaged Bug is the side solo project of Thee Oh Sees John Dwyer, and his track, ‘Pet Programs and Games’, has an electro feel, but again has Syd's wackiness tied to it. Psychic Ills’ ‘Come Around’ is the longest and the best track. Very restrained in style, this is a band that understands less is much more. Hills are associates of much loved Swedish band Goat, and their song ’Montelius Vag’ the loudest number, has elements of both Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull. Prayer Meeting‘s ‘Black Echo (White Mountain)’ ends this second 7 inch, and, both blissful and chilled out has a My Bloody Valentine vein. 'Psych for Sore Eyes 2’ is definitely my favourite EP of the year.