The Third Eye

One of the best things about music is its potential for healing. While many things in this world can tear us apart, music can connect us and, on a spiritual level, move us closer to a power greater than ourselves. In this day and age, in such a politically polarized world, music’s healing qualities should not be understated.

Oakland-based Orchestra Gold is a band that understands this very well. The African psychedelic rock ensemble brings a kaleidoscope of sound deeply rooted in the Malian tradition while introducing a genre-bending nod to the future through their rare and colorful fusion. Orchestra Gold’s gorgeous music transcends borders and boundaries, and it’s their mission to be a force of healing within the community. 

This could mean their local community in Oakland or the worldwide community where their music is available. I could consider myself part of that worldwide community, as I’ve listened to OG’s music for a while now, and it’s brought me moments of peace, joy, and serenity.

Orchestra Gold’s vibrant, bombastic sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw and hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While the band pays homage to Malian music traditions, they bring a fresh, new sound that thrives on heavy swinging rhythms, a funky brass section, and cosmic guitar licks.

Their third album, Medicine, is the one I’ve listened to the most. It’s a profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing record that continues Orchestra Gold’s pursuit of spreading healing and community through sound. Medicine was released on January 20, 2023, and looking back on it now, it was an oversight on The Third Eye’s part not to include it on the Best Psych Albums of 2023. It’s that good.

I won’t describe each track in detail like I usually do because I think it’s best for you to experience the sounds yourself. Also, because the music has the characteristics of a culture I’m unfamiliar with, I feel I lack the vocabulary to describe its beauty accurately.

I will say that Zamrock fans should enjoy Medicine and Orchestra Gold’s other work. And I’ll also say that fans of other genre-bending acts that include “world music” influences, such as Goat, will find much to like in OG’s African psychedelic rock sounds. Medicine is music to celebrate with, enjoy life with, and live in the moment with. It’s impossible not to feel love while listening to their tunes.

Check out Medicine by Orchestra Gold, and while you’re at it, check out their previous releases, such as the 2017 LP African Psychedelic Rock and the 2023 EP, Vol. II: The Lost Tape. The music can be a companion on your spiritual journey, and with each listen, it may help you drain any toxicity you may be feeling from our frantic modern world. Enjoy!

Check out Medicine by Orchestra Gold on Bandcamp here.

Support Orchestra Gold by finding them on Bandcamp, their official website, or social media (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook).

Consider supporting The Third Eye on Patreon to keep the dream alive.

Sign up for email updates from The Third Eye below: