Inui 1 is the first solo album by Makoto Kawabata (of Acid Mothers Temple fame.) It set the precedent for a solo discog of long form ambient, introspective works and the 4 volumes of Inui remain some of his finest records to this day. A huge variety of instruments and electronics are played on these records, along with feedback and drones. Theres no speed guru shredding present and so his other extended techniques have a much bigger presence than in his rock output. There’s a lot of glissando guitar ala Daevid Allen, bowed sitar and perhaps other bowed things, and drones and tones that push th ..read more

The New York based multi instrumentalist presents a record of delicate and crystal clear psychedelic folk with a classic British sound. His beautiful and simply recorded voice is front and center. The arrangements are mostly harp and acoustic guitar but there are other interesting things present, sizzling and sparkling in a psychedelic manner. The lyrics are sentimental and sad. Not to raise again a comparison in the press release but when I hear the voice and lyrics The Incredible String Band comes to mind instantly. The playing and production are super clean and refined as well. It’s a great ..read more

Two enigmatic musicians from two sides of the Pacific come together for an amazing tape on Perpetual Doom. The songs are (mostly) courtesy Portland outsider/insider musician Lee Bagget, also known as that mean guitar that’s the secret to folk project Little Wings. There’s a few by/featuring Graves (Greg Olin) as well. The arrangements are all Blind Dead Timmy, a Japanese multi instrumentalist who is clearly incredibly talented and uh, that’s all I know about him really. I like the mystery, although BDT if you’re reading this shoot me an email. There’s also a new collaboration between the two ..read more

wonderful and quirky record from Uruguay, the soundscapes are rather ecstatic with some moody moment, but overall an absolute gem perfect for soaking in the sun ..read more

The full length debut from Bong Wish is a rootsy-yet-airy psych release I didn’t know I needed. 9 songs of psychedelic folk rock that’s fun, upbeat, simple and thoughtful. The production, lyrics and delivery are all classically psychedelic and overtly UK rock influenced. The project absolutely stands on its own in the modern psych landscape, with gorgeous layered vocals and a great folk rock edge with just a tiny bit chamber style embellishment. It’s a very balanced and easy on the ears psych record that I’ve already enjoyed replaying and I hope you will too ..read more

A great debut EP of psychedelic folk rock in the English tradition. It’s not the timid kind of folk that other revivalists might stick too. Though sweet, the vocal delivery and arrangements are powerful. It’s lyrically concise with touches of humor and the avant-garde that completes a mature sound- which is impressive by any measure, much less the debut EP of a project. Their debut full length is out this year and I have high hopes. Hopefully there’s a tour or two behind it ..read more

The solo debut by Ghost (Japan) bandleader Masaki Batoh is a great record and I was very happy to find one in the used bins. It opens with excellent covers of Can and Cream before moving through the sparse folk and droning ambient that would become typical of his solo albums. On the whole though, the record is a bit closer to a Ghost album than his later solo work. Thanks Jive Time in Seattle for this great find The recording quality (and pressing quality, on my physical copy) are extraordinary. His playing wrings every ounce of texture an emotion from the instruments. I found the acoustic gui ..read more

Finnish quartet MAHTI released their debut with our friends at Riot Season and it’s a great listen. Three current and former members of psych/prog mainstays Circle are joined by Finnish folk musican and scholar Hannu Saha on the kantele. It’s ambient leaning prog that thankfully doesn’t owe too much to the classics. The group has their own sound combining semi improvised traditional folk and rock instrumentation with electronics and drones. There’s absolutely distortion and dissonance at times but never without clearly seeking beauty. The atmosphere is reverent and meditative with grooves and ..read more

The Athens based multi-instrumentalist (son of John K Fernandes from Elephant 6) presents 14 great songs of experimental, psychedelic folk. The given description is “a collection of songs and soundscapes to listen to in springtime.” Perfect. Give it a listen while spring is still in the air, you’ll be delighted ..read more