Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Hypnomen - Trip With Satan
 | While quite a short release with only 8 tracks and just over 24 minutes, this is another step forward from their adventurous Watusi 99 CD. Half go-go fuzz and half psychedelic coolness, this release is a cool blend of the European and Hollywood views of the San Francisco scene. Yet it lacks the cheesy imitation quality that might imply, but rather is well though out, nicely arranged, and quite enjoyable. Another good instrumental bet from a fine Finish band. |
Picks: Need No Doctor, Hush, Sunstroke Dreamer, Dance With The Devil, Mike The Malo, (I Wanna Get Back From) Trip With Satan, Jethead, Tangerine Blue
Track by Track Review
Go-Go Fuzz (Instrumental)
This is a big trashy version of Ashford and Simpson's "I Don't Need No Doctor." The organ pumps tastily beneath the go-go fuzz guitar, while the drums magically rattle off an exotic beat. This is very go-go boot hip, like a scene from a late sixties Hollywood trip flick with Nancy Sinatra or some such femme fatale. Infectious and fun.
Go-Go Fuzz (Instrumental)
Joe South's tune that was a hit for Deep Purple, but not as cool as that, though the fuzz-o-rama and chorus do have a charm of their own.
Go-Go Fuzz (Instrumental)
Slow and moody with sultry organ a la Procol Harum in their Shine Brightly period. It's a decent tine for a scene backdrop, but doesn't hold my attention.
Go-Go Fuzz (Instrumental)
Tribal drums, cool hand claps, and an early Santana feel with the Latin suave extracted. Pretty cool stuff here.
Go-Go Fuzz (Instrumental)
More Latin influences in a go-go spy setting. The melody is just espionage enough to make this seem very Euro with a patent leather feel.
(I Wanna Get Back From) Trip With Satan Psychedelic Fuzz (Instrumental)
Jammin' psychedelic flashing lights with a grooving hipster party feel. This has some drama, a thick sound and feel, and exotic drums. "(I Wanna Get Back From) Trip With Satan" is laced with a tribal magnetism and intensity missing elsewhere. Very cool.
Psychedelic Fuzz (Instrumental)
Feedback, throbbing vibrato, thick sound, and a heavy tribal psychedelic sound. This is another excellent track, multi-textured, and sporting a melodic lead line. My fave on the disc.
Moody Psychedelic Fuzz (Instrumental)
Moody slow and shiny, "Tangerine Blue" moves beautifully through a subtle stream of melody and emotion. A very nice track.