Dan Schott:
Although the genre doesn’t get a lot of gigtime in the immediate local live scene, there is much to listen to, and much to love. Here is a quick list of some personal favourites, both past and present.
Rev Rev (1984-2014)
Rev Rev’s journey very much going in 1989 when they released their first vinyl record titled ‘Revelation Revolution.’ This milestone offering featured the local classic ‘Hole In Your Head,’ which quickly gained popularity among music enthusiasts in Chester. As the band’s reputation grew, they became synonymous with the city’s burgeoning music scene.
After years of captivating performances and creative explorations, Rev Rev bid farewell to their devoted fanbase with a packed-out farewell gig at the renowned Telford’s Warehouse in 2014. Their farewell performance marked the end of an era and left a sense of nostalgia among those who had followed their musical journey.
Today, Rev Rev’s music continues to resonate with old and new fans alike, with several of their albums available on Bandcamp. Among these cherished collections is the widely admired ‘Sunshine For Brains,’ released in 2012. Featuring the classic lineup of Sean O, Shem Sharples, Vince Cory, and Thor Brown, this album stands as one of their most accessible and beloved works. It serves as a testament to their musical prowess and the unique chemistry that existed between the band members.
Dr Phibes And The House Of Wax Equations (1989-1998)
Formed in 1989 in Crewe, Cheshire, Dr. Phibes and the House of Wax Equations emerged as an influential regional psychedelic rock band.
Comprising vocalist and guitarist Lawrence Howard King Jr., bassist Lee Patrick Belsham, and drummer Keith York, the band quickly gained prominence in the UK Indie Chart and forged connections with other local bands in the North West.
The band’s moniker drew inspiration from the iconic American actor Vincent Price, renowned for his roles in the House of Wax and the two Dr. Phibes films.
The band’s musical prowess extended beyond their local base, as they embarked on extensive tours across the UK and mainland Europe. Their live performances became renowned for their energy, captivating audiences in mesmerizing audiovisual experiences. Notably, they embarked on a major European tour that featured exhilarating appearances at rock festivals in countries like France, Switzerland, and Germany. These performances further solidified their reputation as a band to watch and broadened their international appeal.
In 1990, the band marked their debut with the release of the EP ‘Sugarblast,’ which served as a promising introduction to their unique sound. Building on this initial success, they followed up with their first album, ‘Whirlpool,’ in 1991, garnering positive reviews and solidifying their presence in the industry. The same year witnessed the release of their second EP, titled ‘Hazy Lazy Hologram,’ further establishing their reputation for crafting captivating and experimental music.
Dr. Phibes and the House of Wax Equations continued to ascend the ladder of success, securing notable performances at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in 1992. Their musical prowess earned them the opportunity to record Peel Sessions for the renowned Radio One DJ John Peel in 1991 and 1993, a testament to their growing influence on the airwaves. Moreover, they showcased their versatility by recording tracks for Mark Radcliffe’s late-night Radio 1 show, expanding their reach to a broader audience.
With their star still shining bright, the band proceeded to release four more EPs and their second album, ‘Hypnotwister,’ in 1993. The album further demonstrated their ability to push creative boundaries and explore new musical territories. However, despite their triumphs, Dr. Phibes’ final live performance took place in Manchester in 1995, signaling the end of an era and leaving their fans with treasured memories of their captivating performances.
Tragedy struck in May 2017 when the band’s bassist, Lee Belsham, passed away at the age of 49 after battling cancer. Born in 1968 in Chatham, Kent, Lee was an integral part of the band’s journey, contributing his exceptional bass skills to their distinctive sound. He was laid to rest at St Mary’s Church in Sandbach, Cheshire, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable musicianship and cherished camaraderie.
SONIC TRIP PROJECT (2018-)
In the realm of England’s psychedelic and space rock scene, Cheshire-born Vince Cory stands as a pioneering guitarist and an alumnus of several esteemed bands, including Schroedinger’s Cat and The Sonic Shamen.
Fueled by his boundless creativity, Vince spearheads the enthralling journey of Sonic Trip Project, a band that has graced the music scene with its distinctive sound and captivating performances since their debut album in 2018.
As they continue to evolve, the band has seen various line-ups, with the most recent manifestation comprising Darren Butler on drums, Lee Carr on bass, and Jez Creek on synths.
COSMIC DOG FOG (2020-)
Cosmic Dog Fog’s arrival on Earth during the tumultuous times of lockdown in March 2020 marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Through their enchanting live streams and surreal compositions, the band has amassed a devoted online following, their music serving as a conduit for unity and collective consciousness.
As we explore the enigmatic realms of theatrical psychedelia and lo-fi space pop, Cosmic Dog Fog beckons us to embrace a shared vision of interconnectedness and awaken our global community consciousness.
In the strange and wondrous town of Sunny Wrexham, the cosmic odyssey of CDF continues to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who embark on this celestial musical adventure.
FYDSTAR (2020-)
Gareth, hailing from North Wales, and Simon, from the Wirral, Merseyside, form an intriguing musical partnership that transcends geographical boundaries. Despite their differing locations, they collaborate seamlessly on their joint project known as FYDStar, which draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including Torche, Korn, Abba, Royal Blood, Cave In, Muse, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, Devin Townsend, IAMX, and more. This eclectic blend gives rise to a genre-defying sound that resists categorization.
As a largely self-funded venture, FYDStar operates on a close-to-zero budget, affording them complete creative freedom in their musical endeavors. Every aspect of their artistic expression is handled independently, allowing them to craft their unique musical vision on their terms. While this approach presents challenges, it also serves as a source of accomplishment, as they tackle each obstacle with determination and ingenuity.
The Mandela FX (2023-)
Originating from Wrexham, The Mandela FX emerges as an electrifying 3-piece garage rock band, uniting a collective of music enthusiasts with a penchant for psychedelic sounds. Their journey began as a result of chance encounters and spirited jam sessions, culminating in the formation of this musical powerhouse. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as The Black Angels, Pink Floyd, and The Brianstown Massacre, they seamlessly blend heavy bass lines, soaring guitars, thundering drums, and haunting echoes of distortion, forging a sound that leaves audiences captivated and eager for more.
In June 2023, The Mandela FX unleashed their debut single titled ‘Rephrase,’ a track that showcased their raw talent and distinctive musical direction. The single’s release garnered widespread local attention, propelling the band into the spotlight and setting the stage for their promising musical journey.
The Mandela FX are now embarking on an exciting venture to the studio, where they are meticulously crafting their very first EP. This endeavor represents a pivotal moment for the band, providing a platform to further explore their creative depths and refine their sonic prowess.
At the core of The Mandela FX’s music lies a harmonious fusion of psychedelic influences and garage rock vigor. Their music exudes a captivating intensity that lures listeners into a hypnotic trance, captivating them with each resounding note and soul-stirring riff. The heavy bass lines resonate through one’s core, while the soaring guitars and thundering drums create an electrifying soundscape that is both enthralling and immersive. Adding to the mix is the mesmerizing echo of distortion, elevating their compositions to a realm of sonic brilliance.
SUNSTACK JONES (2016-)
Sunstack Jones had been in existence in various forms since 2011, but it wasn’t until 2016 that they truly came into fruition as a band. It was during this year that they began gigging more frequently, and since then, their growth has been rapid and impressive. The band achieved significant milestones, including the release of two full-length albums, limited edition 45s, and an EP.
Over time, Sunstack Jones settled into a consistent line-up comprising Richy, Chris, Lorc, Dave, and Jules. Together, they honed their musical style, mastering a dreamy and catchy summer sound, enriched by the distinct Merseyside twang that adds a touch of classic charm to their compositions.
The year 2018 held great promise for Sunstack Jones, with a jam-packed schedule of gigs lined up, including performances at international festivals. Their single, ‘Without Being Told,’ received glowing reviews from respected sources such as Clash magazine, further enhancing their reputation as a band to watch.
The momentum continued to build with their follow-up single, ‘By The Way,’ which garnered airplay on BBC Radio 6, reaching a broader audience and solidifying their place in the music industry.
The band released the regional classic album ‘Golden Repair’ in 2020, on Chester-based label Mai 68 Records.
If you’re a fan of the genre, you can catch our ‘Mystery Of Psychedelia’ playlist, curated by our resident expert Kenny Cunningham from 11pm Monday to Thursday, or 8pm to late on Sunday, only on circl8radio.com.