MECHANISMS (PART 1)

Originating from Wiltshire at the South part of UK, Cranium Pie started in 2006 under the guidance of keyboardist/singer Rob Appleton and his bandmate Tim Bray (vocals, effects).They released several singles and tracks on compilations for some small independent labels, before recording their debut ''Mechanisms part 1'' at their own Baking Research Station with Dan Herra on guitars/vocals, Steve Meadows on bass and Julian Smith on drums/vocals.The album was released in 2011 on Regal Crabomophone, originally issued only in vinyl version.

The band seems to have been forgotten somewhere in late-60's/early-70's, having as an ultimate inspiration the luxurious music flexibility of Syd Barrett-era PINK FLOYD.''This was now - The awakening of the birds'' opens in a very psychedelic mood with Electronic effects, distorted vocals and calm acoustic guitars producing a really obscure piece, that leads to ''Rememberrr''.This track was already issued by the band as a single in 2010 on Bracken Records, following a typical FLOYD-ian enviroment with psychedelic grooves and extended organ solos in a strong jamming approach as well as great vocals with a beautiful British color.The two-part ''Zones - Mothership'' opens with a low-tempo guitar-driven groove, followed by distorted vocals and later some cosmic synth effects, a bit like OZRIC TENTACLES.A beautiful theme with a folky atmosphere on theremin opens for ''Drying in the sun'', that soon transforms into a massive battle of organ and synth effects, followed by a nice and mellow lyrical, acoustic texture.The eponymous track, which clocks at almost 10 minutes, is absolutely satisfying, old-school British Psych/Progressive Rock with organs and bass/drums in evidence, sometimes close to early SOFT MACHINE, yet again PINK FLOYD seem to be the major influence.Plenty of acid solos and jamming rhythms appear in a very good composition.''Run to survive'' won't escape the same rule with Herra's guitar scratching all the way over the HAWKWIND-alike vocals of Appleton and a steady rhythm section supporting.

The early PINK FLOYD sound is still alive with Cranium Pie...a band that denies to conform with the new world era and produces vintage material both in musical and productional values.Recommended.