ninehertz

There is a spectacular and steady flow of psychedelia emitting from Australia nowadays, spearheaded by King Gizzard of course, but it doesn't take much delving to discover what appears to be whole networks of bands creating this incredible music. Art As Catharsis Records is as ever the best place to discover the cream of that national scene. Turtle Skull have already made an impression - their self titled debut is seven years old now, with many releases arriving since, their last album Monoliths the highlight, until now.

Turtle Skull excel in allying heavy psych with pop sensibilities - I'm drawn to dreams of the worlds of stoner-fringe American bands such as Black Mountain or Comets on Fire. It has been recorded largely live, and it breathes life into the sound; the first couple of tracks are gorgeous, sounding absolutely lush, bright and invigorating music. This is psych from the fields, optimistic and free.

The album tails off a little in the middle, but possibly only in relation to that sumptuous start, or maybe I'm just showing my own preferences. It is interesting to note the bands referenced in the press bio, as well as the telling high notes of Causa Sui, there's a connection to Spiritualised and The Flaming Lips drawn, which is an accurate depiction of the light and friendly tones of the psychedelia, and it is this middle section that really brings this to the fore.

The final three tracks bring it back in force, Modern Mess for example is lovely, whilst the album closer Moon & Tide is perhaps my favourite of the whole album, and no surprise to find it's the heaviest song here. The deep, resonating bass thick notes take us out towards the stars, where the rest of the album has grounded us in the flowers.

All in all, Being Here is the best Turtle Skull have sounded to date, their most rounded work and complete realisation of what they're about, providing joy through the completion of their self described mantra of "psych-doom-pop".