Published: 2 Sep 2024
Arzachel (self-titled)
- Release date: 1969
- Genres: Psychedelic Rock, Canterbury Scene
- Rating: 4/5
- Originally written: 3rd June 2024
A short-lived project from the members of the Psych Rock/Canterbury Scene project Egg (plus Steve Hillage!), and the result is a bluesier and harder take, rather unexpectedly heavy for both the time and for the genres its built from. Extremely atmospheric with the Hammond Organ being the star of the show, switching seamlessly between lead rhythms and noisy soundscapes.
The album itself is split into two, side A featuring the more conventional, if still highly eclectic, psychedelic progressive rock. Garden of Earthly Delights sets the tone well, demonstrating the mix of sounds present on the album by starting upbeat but back-ending itself with some mean guitar licks over a haunting soundscape. Azatoth is sinister and occultic, Queen St. Gang is, uh, proto-trip-hop (?!), and Leg closes out side A on a loud, driving and highly energetic note.
Side B features two highly sprawling and very psychedelic jams, both with a similar atmosphere. If being critical, these can feel a little aimless in comparison? But who really cares, you’re along for the ride regardless, and both are satisfying are in their own right.
Best tracks: Garden of Earthly Delights, Azatoth, Queen St. Gang, Clean Innocent Fun
