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8 out of 10
Wooden Shjips, are a four-piece pysch group from the US West Coast. This, their second release on Holy Mountain is a collection of their hard to find and out of print pressings which I'm led to believe are the Holy Grail of vinyl.
Wooden Shjips are not of this time; though I'm certain that they're rebelling against nothing. I get the impression that being cutting edge is not on Wooden Shjips' radar and everything about compilation harks back to a better, simpler time.
Essentially, this is rock and roll, though psychedelia secretes from every pulse. It seems to steer round Prog but vocally is drenched in reverb and delay reminiscent of the stylings of Syd Barratt. This record will undoubtedly incur comparisons to The Doors, Brian Jonestone Massacre, Jefferson Airplane and to their modern day counterparts, Comets on Fire. I also have no doubt that the band are very much a product of the influence of these peers - but it's nearly four decades on, should their 'authenticity' it to be admired or condemned. I mean, it's great that a band are able to create a record that genuinely sounds like it's from the sixties, but is that it?
No. That's not it. In addition to the 'sound' they have also managed to create a similar mood and energy. The bass pulses through the record like heroin, the guitar work is careful and understated and the use of Hammond organ isn't necessarily embarrassing (As I find it can be). Everything about the collection feels hazy and smoke filled. There's hint of opium in the air and someone appears to be having sex with my girlfriend, but that's fine 'man'.
This record will not be for everyone, it's very repetitive. I don't mean verse chorus verse repetitive - I mean stoned white guy with dreads at a party with a guitar repetitive, so repetitive in fact that it is almost punishing. There is however something so wonderfully pure and ultimately rewarding about it that you forgive it all its indulgencies and allow it to wash over you. Part of this record's charm is its Gaul.
Listen: www.myspace.com/woodenshjips
Tracklist:
1. Shrinking Moon
2. Death's Not Your Friend
3. Space Clothes
4. Dance California
5. Clouds Over Earthquake
6. SOL '07
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