Victor Brady — Brown Rain 1970 (USA, Heavy Progressive, Psychedelic Rock)

Victor Brady — Brown Rain 1970 (USA, Heavy Progressive, Psychedelic Rock)

A New York band. This hard psychedelia album features heavy use of metallophone and steel drums of varying sizes, creating a rather unusual sound. These drums aren't just used actively, but play a leading role alongside the vocals. The guitar licks and solos are filled with guitar fuzz. Brady himself (a native of the Virgin Islands) improvises wildly with his instrument. Victor Brady participated in the 1968 Percussion Festival held in New York's Central Park, which featured cult figures of the time, Panman Dave, Rudy Bowen, and Mike Delcioppo.

Insane ride through Caribbean tunes, melodies, influencing sounds, not stopping till the end of each track, leaving you wanting to dance, or at least to wave in something not so far away to rock' n 'roll rhythms. Because this is wild, living style, psychedelic music with most prominent instrument being V. Brady's, steel drums that really sound like (almost, with one eye closed ... one ear closed) piano, because what he can do here is truly amazing. Hallucinating trip with lyrics (when they're present) full of crazy nonsenses (maybe they makes sense, when you're high). Sounds very original, something very much needed in this big bunch of music where we dig ourselves alive. Stuff that can stir the waters. But, as many psychedelic acts, it sometimes dwells results into endless jaming solos and similar structures. But not for too long (except last track, where it is way too long). Not especially my cup of music I'm listening every day, but interesting and original. As much as possible, while remaining listenable.Review by Marty McFly


Tracks:

01. Glass House – 0:00

02. Hallucinodream – 7:32

03. Soul Fungi – 10:27

04. Once Upon A Candle – 12:59

05. Brown Rain – 19:45

06. It's A Good World Outside – 31:20


Personnel:

Victor Brady - steel drums, vocals
Peter Psarianos - guitar
Murray Gordon - bass
Gary Reams – drums