More about: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

When Psychedelic Porn Crumpets formed in 2014, they captured their early recordings with second hand Singstar microphones and whatever other cheap gear they found themselves able to manipulate into their signature sonic footprint. Fast forward to 2021, and that same sense of rule-breaking creativity remains firmly intact with the bands latest offering, SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound.  

It seems the band have gone through a slight maturing process in the creation of this record, with lead singer/producer-in-chief Jack McEwan citing his decision to strip back some elements of the new songs in the mixing process - “they were starting to sound like a Batman film or James Bond soundtrack" - as one of many personal developments that lead to an increased conscious sense and control over the decision-making that helped shape this 14-track record. 

Opening track ‘Big Dijon’ frantically welcomes the listener with an immediate blast of the Crumpets’ signature dense guitar and vocal soundscapes, almost in the form of something reminiscent of a film soundtrack. An almost ‘El Dorado’ like guitar riff provides the backbone of an intro track that manages to highlight the band’s tendency to not take themselves all too seriously. 

The listener is then re-introduced to familiar singles/EP tracks released over the last few months in ‘Mr. Prism’, ‘The Terrors’ and ‘Tally-Ho’ early into the album. The upfront and sharp approach of those tracks are emulated in new pieces ‘Sawtooth Monkfish’ and ‘Tripolasaur’, with the latter’s chord progression almost reminding us slightly of a psyched-up adaptation of a 00s American Punk record. 

The second half of the record is equally as aggressive and condensed, with a sonic synergy throughout. The tried and tested formula is reinvigorated slightly with tracks like ‘Hats Off to The Green Bins’ and ‘Mango Terrarium’ encompassing some lighter moments in parts, although the breaks only help to make the hooks and dirty fuzzy riffs hit home a lot harder when they do come back around. 

The album’s final track ‘The Tale of Gurney Gridman’ is a personal highlight. Starting off with a dense bass riff, heavy kick and a drum groove that would fit seamlessly into a Metallica or thrash-rock King Gizzard record (Infest the Rats’ Nest springs to mind), the track settles down into a more atmospheric soundscape. Encompassing various layers of guitars simmering to the surface, reminiscent of how the album begins, just like that, full circle, another fantastic Psychedelic Porn Crumpets record is complete.

SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound arrives 5 February via Marathon artists.

More about: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets