psychedelic pop

Joe Sparks, the Berkeley graduate and multi-instrumentalist, combines sophistication and immediacy in his new project. By self-producing the album and playing every instrument himself, Sparks cultivates a unique sound driven by complex melodic rhythms and transcendent tonal energy. Today, Sparks shares “Nice Little Refrain,” a high-octane, catchy, meta-examination of what a song can be. Combining witty lyrics and an intense mix, Sparks seeks […]

John Beckmann, the songwriter, producer, and restless architect behind The Mortal Prophets, announces Utopia PKWY, a new project that marks a decisive turn toward brighter weather. The debut album, Debut, due for release November 6th, reframes Beckmann’s long-standing fascination with haunted atmospheres, poetic instability, and cinematic sound design through a more melodic, optimistic, and sunstruck lens. Named in reference to Utopia Parkway, […]

Despite vocal embellishments from the likes of Vashti Bunyan and Hope Sandoval, this reimagining of Bobbie Gentry’s 1968 album fails to replicate the original’s best characteristics, but still presents an intriguing second look at a forgotten gem.