ninehertz

When a record reminds me, right away in the first song, of the much-missed Gentlemans Pistols, they have me hooked for the long haul. Spooky Eyes are from Tasmania but this has me dreaming of Leeds circa late 00’s during Run, with its spritely 70’s rock that is full of life and joy. It is music of another era but brought into today with love and an energy that is infectious.

The Pistols comparison fades (only reappearing with the bluesy strut of Harvest), which I guess is as well, it being an obscure reference for this review to lean on and that. Instead, Spooky Eyes imprint their own style on this retro good-time psychedelic rock, whether through the chilled jam feel of the closing Truth, Lies, with its cymbal caresses and exploring guitars creating an open mic psych night vibe, or the occasional jazz free and easy structures that flit in and through.

All but one of the songs (a cover of The Count Fives’ Psychotic Reaction, which is fine but stalls the momentum a touch) hit the mark. My highlight is probably Where the Sun Stands Still, where a wonderfully fuzzy start brings Fu Manchu thoughts, before dipping into more relaxed psych fare – but drop in most anywhere here and you’ll find yourself in a warm glow of psychedelic fuzz happiness.