NAKED, STONED & STABBED

When comparing this new MUSHROOM album with the other band stuff I've already listened to, I would say it's provided with an extraordinary ethno and folk touch. The use of a standard drum kit is rare to find for example. And the jazzy aspect takes a backseat here nearly completely. What always stays is a special trippy and relaxed behaviour, an important, probably even the most important trademark. They are able to prepare such a friendly peaceful atmosphere which has no equal.

13 songs got a place on the album, recorded over a weekend at The Wally Sound in Oakland. As usual the sessions were both planned and spontaneous. Producer Pat Thomas often changed the instrumentalists on the fly trying to give each song a unique approach. Although you will always feel the jamming character the tracks are short and compact too, so much the more provided with a rich and varied instrumentation. The short Infatuation is the kick-off, an ordinary folk song featuring acoustic guitar and flute. The following Celebration At Big Sur gradually lets you immerge into the mysterious MUSHROOM realm then.

Which concretely means the psych component grows more and more with orchestron and echoed violin swirling around each other. And now you are really confronted with their accumulated competence for the first time when listening to Jerry Rubin: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - a wonderful atmospheric piece of work. Ned Doherty provides a repetitive bass line accompanied by bongos. The violin is irresistible, peculiarly alternating between a country and hallucinogenic flavour. And Matt Cunitz on top of it adds arcane organ and moog impressions. Wow - I like this one!

Now having reached a high level you can take a deep breath when following the spacey flow of All The Guitar Players Around Sean Smith ... - skillfully presented as well, including a slight Eastern balalaika touch. Take Off Your Face And Recover From That Trip You've Been On stylistically represents a turning away a bit when exploring the next songs. It's the jazzy groovy attitude this time - I assume an excerpt from a longer jam session expressing happiness and joy of playing. Tariq Ali stands for intensive raga impressions comprising massive sitar input and congas.

The other tracks are basically dominated by dreamy psych explorations ... the closing early Kevin Ayers song Singing A Song In The Morning is something special though losing every seriousness with a strong pop fundament. Released by UK label 4Zero Records 'Naked, Stoned & Stabbed' is a special trippy experience, something for laid back situations, predominantly interesting for freaks who are feeling comfortable when exploring progressive acid psych/folk connected with ethno elements - 3.5 stars.