I love discovering new bands, and I recently came across the self-titled debut album from Psychosomatik, which is set to be released on March 13th, 2023, though I was already able to purchase a full digital copy on Bandcamp.
According to their Bandcamp profile, the band is an …
“Independent Psychedelic Progressive Rock duo from Miami, FL. Edison plays guitar and bass and is a Miami native who loves the Doors, the Beatles, and Classical music. Noah plays guitar, bass, and drums and is from Denver, Colorado. He enjoys Hendrix, the Police, and Rush. Both members love Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and hard rock bands like Black Sabbath or Guns N’ Roses.”
The duo wrote all of the songs except for “From the Beginning,” which was written by Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer). Noah Ruiz supplied 6 and 12-string electric and acoustic guitars, fretted and fretless bass guitar, drums and percussion, and vocals, and Edison Mayorga contributed 6 and 12-string electric and acoustic guitars, slide guitar, bass guitar, vocals, tambourine, and percussion.
About Psychosomatik the Album
There are 11 tracks in total, running for around 45 minutes. This music is really well put together, and you can really hear their influences within it. I dig the DIY sound they’ve achieved, as it adds a certain flair to these songs, which have a 70s rock vibe coursing through their veins. I could hear so many classic bands influencing Edison and Noah, from Pink Floyd to Led Zeppelin and even to artists like Grand Funk Railroad. It’s impossible to talk about every track since there are 11, so we’ll dive into the ones that I feel are the standouts.
The first song is called “Roots,” and the vocals are one of the main highlights here, with the lead and the harmonies crafted with definite nods to the masters of old. The lyrics were clearly sung, a massive plus on any album, and they seem to tell a story of a musical friendship gone wrong. The chorus goes …
“Spread those roots in the underground
You’ll find a way, I’m here to stay
Don’t give me a reason to tie you down
Keep those empty hands
In view”
The music is pure 70s and has a phenomenal bass line throughout. The way they take the song out is also excellent, slowing things down bit by bit and fading out.
“Rust” also stuck out, and like “Roots,” the bass playing is exceptional. I’m unsure which member is supplying it, but it’s tasteful when needed and can show off that Geddy Lee (Rush) influence at times, with a John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) one at others. The vocals have a bit of Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) in spots, and the guitar parts hit a little Led Zeppelin, a bit of The Black Crowes, and a lot of 70s vibes.
“Paper Crane” was another that I found myself grooving to. There’s more of that Led Zeppelin meets The Black Crowes feel, and being a huge fan of early Black Crowes, this hits me right in the sweet spot. There’s also a Grateful Dead sound mixed into this one, and though I’m not a big fan of their style, their influence is nicely done here.
These were the first three tracks on the album, and as I was listening to the fourth, I realized that it was going to be very difficult to pick the best tracks, as I was getting into each one equally. It’s rare to find an album that accomplishes that, making this an exceptional release.
Their cover of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer’s “From the Beginning” is so nicely done and brought back childhood memories for me. I was born in 1974, and my Dad was into all types of rock, so ELP was definitely played on his stereo. Psychosomatik puts their own touch on it, making it their own without losing the original’s magic.
One of my favorites is called “Psychosomatic,” so much so that I wish it was longer than three and a half minutes. The music is still in the rock category, but there is a bit of psych going on. Try as I might, I have difficulty explaining why this one is so amazing, it’s just a bit of everything that I love about this genre of music, and they pull it off so well. Just listen to it, let it flow through you, and the song will speak for itself.
Final Thoughts
My only thoughts are positive because Psychosomatik is a band that absolutely nails the vibe of the 70s bands that they love so much. From rock to bits of jazz, to funky elements, to psych, this band is just full of great-sounding tunes, and I found myself in disbelief that guys that look these young can fully grasp what classic rock/psych music was about; their songwriting, musicianship, and approach is beyond reproach. So go find their music, and you’ll know exactly why I love this album the way I do. Enjoy!!!
Support Psychosomatik by checking out their Bandcamp.
This review was written by Tom Hanno, who has been writing reviews for the last 7 years but has been sharing his love of music for the majority of his life. Originally starting out at the now defunct Chimera Magazine, he is currently contributing to Doomed and Stoned, The Sleeping Shaman, The Doom Charts, Tom’s Reviews, and The Third Eye. Read more of Tom’s reviews by checking out his Linktree.