PSYCHONAUT

An icy blast of Leslied Hammond Organ, some spectral echoed flute and Indian drums and we're on our way on another cosmic voyage. It's a classic sound which typifies the expansive, exploratory early '70's. This conjures up visions of open fires, herbal refreshments and communal living. If pushed the closest comparison musically would be perhaps Amon Duul II.

`Psychonaut' is the immaculately recorded and newly remastered second album by Brainticket out on Esoteric's Reactive imprint for all good things in Euro-Rock.There is quite a melting pot of styles on display here, obvious Indian influences, psychedelic rock, and the perhaps less likely traces of English folk. It's a strong album with much to recommend it.

Like successor `Celestial Ocean', it was recorded in RCA studios in Milan (in late 1971) with Joel Vandroogenbroeck at the helm. It's a remarkable album, largely song based across it's six tracks but swathed in effects and textures which create a unique sound world above and beyond a mere collection of songs. At the forefront is the timeless combination of organ and flute, and backed by some pounding drumming in the more uptempo sections this work really takes off. There are sound effects of wind and rain, heavily echoed piano and much else to sustain the interest, nothing outlives it's usefulness and like a trip there is no telling what will happen next.

There is acid folk, psychedelic rock and a sustained level of grooviness. The female vocals whilst hardly profound are appealing in a stoned sort of way, and the album certainly provides a welcome escape from the tedium of modern life with much to enjoy within.