by The Putbacks
Strap on your psychedelic space helmets and float downstream for this one. Established northside rhythm section The Putbacks take a few laps of the universe to deliver a full self-titled LP full of intergalactic interludes and grooves. Their collective experiences in a long list of local outfits, along with collaborations from afar, see the mood range from psych guitar-driven ramblings to interstellar lounge grooves in the echo of an ear.
The meandering ‘Prologue’ places you beyond the stratosphere from the very start. It’s then a one-two punch with the first two singles from the album back-to-back. Paul Bender from Hiatus Kaiyote has come onboard to tweak the dials for the album - his signature touch shining on ‘The Ways’. Crunchy guitars, claustrophobic keyboard chords and distant drum fills create a tense sci-fi soundtrack suspended deep in space. Moody Beth Gibbons-esque vocals from New York mononym Bilal seals its funked-out fate. It’s three minutes of restrained melody with an ascending finale to rival the best Radiohead segues.
The David Axelrod space jam-feel continues on 'Orange', the second single so far. Driving keys laid over pulsing space drums, served with rhythm guitar candy culminate in a catchy psychedelic trajectory that sees producer Bender at his best and would groove the roof off any live venue.
The colourful sketches continue down the track list, painting various shades of psychedelic wallpaper right through. ‘No Man No’ emerges as another cinematic highlight, bringing in the deft touch of US multi-instrumentalist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, sliding things easily into the coolest late night lounge bar in the universe, giving David Holmes a run for his soundtrack crown. Soaring strings and guitar chord progressions elevate the melody to lullaby status - five minutes of groove-laden goodness to lighten even the darkest of days.
Full of ideas - some good, most great, all atmospheric.
The Putbacks is released on HopeStreet Recordings.
For listening and more info, visit The Putbacks.
Check out 'No Man No' from the album now.
Review from PBS volunteer Richard McLeish.
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED TRACKS
On Diamond - 'How'
Magpie - 'I Say Yes'
Surfbort - 'Slushy'
Bruce - 'Æon'
Arctic Monkeys - 'One Point Perspective'
Charles Bradley - 'Can't Fight the Feeling'
Kev Brown - 'Strictly Hardcore Bboy'
Civic - 'Pleasure'
Inner Harmony - 'Da Lub Club'
This week's Top 10:
