Back in stock: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: Ghost are sadly an easily confused band - doubly so, for the fact that there is now a wildly popular masked metal troupe of the same name, *and* because there is, uncannily, a 1984 film named Ghost, also rather well known. This confounding is apparently so prevalent that the obligatory Wikipedia entry on *this* Ghost is titled
'Ghost (1984 band)'. We wouldn't usually mention it, save for the fact that this perhaps not so wilful obscurantism actually works in their favour. With Drag City's reissue of Ghost's first album on griseous vinyl here, it's safe to say that this Japanese experimental psych/acid record's aura as a hidden gem feels rare to come by. It's almost as if Ghost (1984) is 'haunting' the other aforementioned cultural touchstones of the same name. Don't get it twisted, though: Ghost formed in the early 80s, but this debut recording didn't make it to the pressing plant until 1990. What explains the gap in their CV, you ask? Legend has it that the band led a truly nomadic existence - as a "band" should, in all senses of the word - roving, drifting from ruined ancient temples to disused subway stations near Tokyo. With that all checked, the album itself is truly free-spirited and eerie, and not what you'd expect from contemporary notions of space rock, with prepared tinkerings and strange readymade detritus seeming to fill each piece at every twist and turn.

Review: We aren't sure who Inner Space Quartet are be we are sure you will like them. This is the second new music from them this month and it follows a busy 2022 in which they put out three head-turning 7"s on different labels. They seem to be settling for Funk Night as their home this year but soundwise are harder to pin down - there is Thai funk, space rock, jazz, psyched-out guitars and much more all contained with these two expansive and immersive sounds. 'Paranoia Party' is the really 60s-tinged narcotic opener then 'Delay' brings more rock guitar sounds as if from some secret and tripped-out Stones concert in the desert back in the day.

Review: Paul Osborne, the mastermind behind Project Gemini, delivers a majestic body of work that seamlessly blends folk rock, psych soundtracks, and hazy cinematic funk. Colours & Light exudes a growing confidence and ease, reflecting Osborne's maturation as an artist. With a more layered and diverse sound, the album shines brightly with Osborne's global influences and collaborations with other musicians. The album's theme, developed through introspective lyrics inspired by insomnia, relationships, and the human condition, is expertly woven into a mesmerizing soundscape. From acid folk to psych-funk, the album incorporates elements from various cultures and scenes, resulting in a kaleidoscopic sonic experience. Overall, Colours & Light is a testament to Project Gemini's artistic growth and ability to create a rich and immersive musical journey that resonates deeply with audiences.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Rail Band are one of the most legendary bands in Malian musical history, and like all great legends their greatest moment was fleeting. This incredibly heavy, soulful and hard-grooving record was released in 1973, when the official orchestra of the Malian State Railway decided to enter the studio and lay down their potent blend of Western funk and surf, Mande tradition and Afro-Cuban percussion. The band was led by trumpet and sax player Tidiani Kone and Djelimady Tounkara on guitar, but in the iteration captured on this album they also featured future stars Salif Keita and Mory Kante on vocals. Shortly after, Keita and Kante eloped to embark on hugely successful solo careers, but for a brief moment in 1973 one of the greatest African guitar bands of all time created a perfect storm of West African storytelling and smoking hot grooves.

Review: Estonian-based label RR Gems is on a mission to present music that carries on a rich tradition of "free form, experimental and jazz" sounds. It does that here with dynamic Helsinki sextet, Soft Power, who have a style that ranges from jazz-rock to psychedelic jazz, always with exuberant musicianship and eclectic energy. Raw Bites is another exceptional outing that challenges conventions without ever losing sight of a compelling groove in amongst the cosmic sounds and noodling melodies. Walking bass brings bluesy qualities to some tunes and others are epic sonic adventures a la Sun Ra.

Review: Weirdo guitar visionary Frank Zappa released his acclaimed fourth LP 'Waka/Jawaka' in 1972, after the phrase appeared to him miraculously on an ouija board. A pinnacle of jazz fusion, near-classical orchestral influences and prog rock, it serves as a lesser-known sequel-ish to the generally agreed classic Hot Rats. It's also a shining example of time signature-core, with the moustached axe mage modulating all manner of tempos like it's nobody's business, also setting a high bar for what would eventually become post-rock in the process.