Psychedelic World Music (Trail Records 013, 2012)
Trail Records continues to surprise with a collection of psychedelic progressive rock from various parts of the world. Although the emphasis is more on the psychedelic than on the world end, these bands have in common an interest in mixing psychedelic rock with some traditional music elements.
The album opens with German band Cosmic Vibration who combine Pink Floydian guitars with ethnic chanting. Next comes one of the best cuts on the album. UK band Triptych uses a tasty mix of global percussion, trippy electronic beats and soaring Middle Eastern sounding electric guitar.
The United States is represented by Misteriosos, who were influenced by late 1960s psychedelia. A band form Belarus follows. Mouches A L’Orange offer a slow tempo set of dreamy guitars that build in speed and intensity.
Armenian band Deti Picasso performs the piece that comes closer to world music, blending psychedelic rock with Armenian winds and captivating vocals.
Grey Mouse, from Russia, is one of several bands that introduce the sounds of the sitar following a long and proud tradition of incorporating Indian influences into psychedelic rock history.
Italian group provides a laid back piece. The next piece brings more of the sitar and guitar combo.
The album ends with a band from China. Zhaoze is closer to post rock, although less minimalist. They incorporate Chinese roots in the form of melodies and some instruments.
The psychedelic wing of progressive looks like it’s in great shape, judging by all these fine and diverse recordings from unexpected regions of the globe.