Pasiflorez is a four-piece psych-surf collective from the Northern Rivers of Australia that’s proving once again that the world’s best psychedelic music comes from Down Under. The group recently released its latest LP, Hibiscus Radio, further cementing its rise in the international psych scene.
Since its inception in 2020, Pasiflorez has been making waves in Australia and overseas. They’ve gained a significant following with three records, an EP, and four singles. Their enigmatic and colorful live performances have hit Australia and New Zealand. Their growing influence is evident in the bands they’ve supported, including Allah-Las, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Glass Beams, and Mild Orange.
Pasiflorez’s sound is a unique blend of classic surf rock, psychedelia, and old-school funk. This blend results in a captivating mix of laidback grooves, sun-soaked melodies, and ‘70s nostalgia, creating dreamy sonic worlds that listeners can’t help but get lost in. As they put it on their official site, ‘Enter their dreams through your ears, close your eyes, and absorb the colors.’
Hibiscus Radio has ten excellent tracks in just under 36 minutes of power-packed run time. “Intergalactic Romance” starts the party after the short title track opener, giving us a sense of what’s in store. The vocals remind me of Dirty Sound Magnet, but the groove is almost tropical. We’re not just soaking in the sun on this song but dancing and basking in it.
“Gravel Disco Road” has a dreamy, reverb-laden guitar that evokes images of crashing waves on endless summer days before launching into a tasty funk that wouldn’t be out of place in a ‘70s nightclub. “Banana Town Motel” brings jangly surf guitars, lush harmonies, and a groovy undercurrent that is very much at home on the rest of the record.
It’s followed by “Farmers Friend,” where Pasiflorez takes us on another cruise down the Australian highway, the wind in our hair and the sun setting on the horizon. The nostalgic ‘70s warmth is also palpable in “Portal Bloom,” but the psychedelic elements keep it fresh and intriguing. “Round The Twist” is a short track that was one of the singles and captures Hibiscus Radio’s essence. The swirling synths and tight funk rhythms create a heady mix that rewards repeat listens, revealing new layers of complexity each time.
“Blue Sky Lounge” could be the funkiest song on the record, and that’s saying something. A warm, familiar vibe invites listeners to reminisce about a bygone era while grooving in the present moment. The record closes on a softer note with “Messenger of Peace,” as Pasiflorez slows things down with a dreamy, melancholy melody. It’s a charming, contemplative piece that perfectly counterbalances the high-energy funk on the rest of the record.
Hibiscus Radio is an inventive album that honors the past while carving out its own unique sounds in the present. Pasiflorez’s vibrant, eclectic collection of songs will appeal to fans of multiple genres, offering a rich listening experience that can carry you through the rest of the hot summer.
Order Hibiscus Radio on vinyl on Pasiflorez’s official website here.
Find Hibiscus Radio on streaming at Pasiflorez’s linktree here.
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