Well, this is amazing. It's the debut single from JACK ELLISTER, the Dutch neo-psych artist, who was formerly a member of Angina Pectoris and leader of Yordan Orchestra. It's a two track single that is only available on vinyl, there will be no CD or digital copies, and furthermore it is limited to a run of 800 copies. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The A side, ‘The Man With The Biochopper’ (full marks for the title), is an instant psychedelic classic, full of pounding drums and keyboards, and almost surf style guitar riffs. It reminded me slightly of elements of Pink Floyd’s ‘Interstellar Overdrive’, and also sports w wonderful 70’s style guitar solo. The lyrics come across as slightly disturbing and play out like a scene from ‘The Hitcher’: - “The man with the biochopper knows his way/ The man with the biochopper keeps it straight/ The man with the biochopper looks in his mirror/ The man with the biochopper coming nearer. Watch his eyes.”
The single also features some cool feedback, a false ending and some chilling screams. All in under four minutes. This is class!
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The B side is a cover version of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Citadel’ from the album ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’, an album that has been grossly under appreciated within The Stones’ canon. As a cover, this works really well, with Jack’s version being largely piano based and drum heavy, and his vocals more prominent within the mix than Jagger’s. As a cover it has been fairly faithful to the spirit of the original, and although it doesn’t really add anything, it certainly doesn’t lose anything either, and stands up well on its own.
Overall, I reckon that this is a must have purchase for fans of psych and garage rock alike, and if this is Jack’s debut solo single, then I can’t wait for the album.
Jack Ellister online
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