A new PsychoYogi album is a reason to celebrate as far as I’m concerned. Chris Ramsing and his band make music quite unlike anyone else, and yet it is instantly recognisable as PsychoYogi. Their new album, released last week, is called Astro Therapy Brain Repair, and I’m happy to report that it continues their quirky individual style of avant prog which many of us have grown to love. They employ trombone (Tim Smart) and violin (Ben Woodbine-Craft) to augment the guitar/bass/drums set up, which gives many of the songs a folky jazz edge, but the peculiar time signatures, chord structures and vocal delivery give them a distinctly avant slant. Whilst this might make them ‘difficult’ for some, once their songs get under your skin, you’ll be hooked, because the off kilter melodies are insidious, worming their way into your brain where they become comfortably at home.
Into The Fire, an old out of print song re-recorded, opens proceedings with a melancholy minor chord descent as Chris and the band ‘wait for humanity, patiently’. Might be a bit of a wait then. The music however is strangely uplifting and beautifully constructed, with a typically idiosyncratic guitar solo. The trombone and violin combine perfectly with a memorable melody, and for this alone it was well worth revisiting the song. Magic Bone follows, with angry lyrics almost spat out in the verses by Ramsing, whilst in contrast the choruses are sung gently and slowly, as though emphasising their meaning. Justin Casey’s percussive efforts on the outro are particularly fun, clattering about to great effect. In fact, he and Izzy Stylish seem to have great empathy throughout the album with their enigmatic rhythmic style and flair.
The next track is called And, and is a definite left field highlight. The trombone, guitar and drums intro reminds me of Beefheart’s Magic Band at their wonkiest best. The way Ramsing combines quite complex melodic structures with more accessible segments is impressive, and his lyrics are always engaging. He makes fairly obvious points, but gets them over in an entertaining way.
Love is the only answer, nothing can be for certain, nothing will be the same.”
Chris also does humour, to lighten the mood every now and again, as in another older song Cro-Magnon Man.
My head is full of money and my pocket full of hope.
Hole in my shoe, wish I had a a cigarette,
Feeling tired and hungry, my skin in need of soap.
Gotta change my style of life, get a job and find a wife,
But I do the best I can being like Cro-Magnon Man.”
The guitar solo is crazy and perfectly judged as the band then slip back into a kind of laid back ska shuffle. It’s short and sweet, and typical PsychoYogi. Let’s Go Far Away has a jaunty jazz style while Chris, in his customary half singing half speaking delivery, muses on a place where troubles are left behind. It’s whimsical but has an innocent charm which is utterly beguiling. Reach For The Sky has a similar hopeful optimism, underlined by the upbeat melody and quirky lilt. The following song by contrast has to be one of the more personal pieces on the album. Picture of You sounds regretful and yearning, although resigned to the reality of a failed relationship. Musically though, it is anything but sad, and that contrast between the music and words is a hallmark of PsychoYogi.
Astro Therapy Brain Repair closes out with the marvellous Learning, which sounds almost danceable for anyone that way inclined. The melody is again lead by the tight combination of violin and trombone, and contrasts with the more reflective verses, a device which is used throughout this record.
Wanna know all about this place this world that keeps on turning”
It’s an upbeat finale to an album which really does repay repeated listening. Dipping a toe into the PsychoYogi waters is fine, but full submersion will give the best results. Songs which might seem odd and hard to digest become readily accessible and satisfying; it just takes a little effort. I would urge the curious to try giving this a listen. It’s not likely to sound much like anything you’ve heard before, and that’s a positive to my mind. In this modern world, we could all use some Astro Therapy Brain Repair after all. Couldn’t we?
TRACK LISTING
01. Into The Fire (3:40)
02. Magic Bone (3:16)
03. And (5:06)
04. Cro-Magnon Man (2:55)
05. Let’s Go Far Away (4:32)
06. Life Of A Boy (5:26)
07. Cursed and Blessed (4:24)
08. Reach For The Sky (3:12)
09. Picture Of You (2:43)
10. Fruit Fly (1:47)
11. Learning (3:30)
Total Time – 40:31
MUSICIANS
Chris Ramsing – Guitar, Vocals, Piano
Izzy Stylish – Bass
Justin Casey – Drums
Ben Woodbine-Craft – Violin
Tim Smart – Trombone
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 8th November 2024