The Confederate Dead: Acetate 2013 + It Was Meant To Happen 2022 + Flamingo 2023

 

"The Confederate Dead" can refer to two things: the actual deceased soldiers of the Confederate States

of America from the American Civil War, and a band named The Confederate Dead. The band, active in the late 2000s and early 2010s, played psychedelic rock music. Their name is likely a reference to the historical concept of Confederate soldiers who perished in the war. 
                   

Formed in 2008 in Portsmouth by Butchy Davy, Tomas Clifford, Ashley Page, Tom Day and Vernon Grech, they made their mark on the London music scene. Their music, which draws influence from the

psychedelic movement of the 1960s, is a kaleidoscope of swirling guitars, eerie vocals and hypnotic rhythms. They have influences ranging from sixties psychedelia to Islamic prayer and back to neo/psych drone and you can hear hints of their eclectic influences such as Galaxie 500, The Asteroid No.4 and Joy Division.
                        

The listener is invited to explore this labyrinth of emotions, to follow the path from sadness to hope, despair to resilience. They read the environment, they are deeply aware of what is happening around

them and they try to convey it to the audience. Their lyrics want to shake, to provoke thought and reflection in an apathetic and indifferent world. They combine elements of rock with the sounds of psychedelia in a masterful way, which expands and awakens the mind.
They transcend the boundaries of the rock and psychedelia genres as well as the music industry and create exciting works by diving into uncharted musical waters. 
                     

Songs of color and death, with influences ranging from 60s psychedelia to Islamic prayer and Neo Psych/Drone as well as Galaxie 500, The Doors, Joy Division and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The

Confederate Dead are the epitome of psychedelic rock. The Confederate Dead's distinct fusion of rock and psychedelia produces a surreal aural experience that carries listeners into another planet. Their music is an auditory voyage that transports you to a surreal world of psychedelic sounds and alluring lyrics. The band distinguishes itself from its contemporaries by combining elements of rock with the mind-expanding sounds of psychedelia. 
                      

The Confederate Dead have made a name for themselves in the music business with their distinctive

brand of Psychedelic Rock and thought-provoking lyrics. Some of their best songs, such as "Where Flowers Grow," "You're So High (When You, Cry)," and "Acid Tongue," have won them praise from the critics and a devoted following. It is evident that The Confederate Dead's music had a lasting impact on listeners and will continue to do so for years to come.
                               

LINE - UP
                      

Butchy Davy 
Tomas Clifford 
Jessica Spencer 
Ashley Page 
Tom Day 
Vernon Grech

THE CONFEDERATE DEAD - ACETATE 2013

                          

Opening with "Tangerine Eye" they waste no time in asserting their intent for the record, with hazy

vocals that make you sit up and listen closer and an infectious guitar riff that hooks instantly, this will appeal to anyone with any kind of psychedelic inclinations. A haunting guitar comes into play and alongside the staccato accompaniment, they make a heady concoction. 
                       

The Confederate Dead – Acetate
Label: Not On Label (The Confederate Dead Self-released) – none
Format: CDr, Album
Country: UK
Released: 2017
Genre: Rock
Style: New Psychedelic, Alternative
    
TRACKS

                          

01. Tangerine Eye    3:37
02. Black Noise    3:47
03. She's Not Right    3:53
04. Say Goodbye    2:38
05. Take Your Time    3:44
06. Sartre    2:47
07. Get Out    2:49
08. Charun Pahul    2:26
09. Crimson Memory    4:38
10. No Need To Hide    6:25

Flac Size: 247 MB

THE CONFEDERATE DEAD - IT WAS MEANT TO HAPPEN 2022

                    

It Was Meant To happen  is aptly named, as the music it covers is far reaching. Anyone with any interest in psychedelia should listen to this LP, the way the genre is traversed could be messy, but The Confederate Dead do it with mastery. The Confederate Dead have enthralled audiences in the UK and

abroad with their contagious enthusiasm and untapped ability. The freedom and rebelliousness in their music invites listeners to embrace their inner hallucinogenic selves. Rock's potential to break down barriers and produce profoundly transcendent experiences is demonstrated by The Confederate Dead's music. This record goes from apocalyptic crunch on tracks like 'Man Ray' and '79,52…..' to cavernous swagger such as 'You're So High (When You Cry)' through to stoned afternoons amongst the flora on 'Where Flowers Grow'
                   

The Confederate Dead – It Was Meant To Happen (2022)
Label: Flower Power Records – FLOWER02D
Format: CD File
Country: UK
Released: Apr 29, 2022
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Indie Rock, Space Rock

TRACKS

                         

01. Already Dead    3:30
02. Lo-Fi    3:38
03. You're So High (When You Cry)    4:51
04. Need To Know    2:31
05. 79,52    4:33
06. Man Ray    3:07
07. Where Flowers Grow    4:22
08. How I Feel    5:08
09. Fascination    3:36
10. The Girl I Never Knew    2:48

BONUS TRACKS

11. Alteration    1:56
12. Have You Ever Thought    4:38
13. Someone Else Instead    3:04
14. Slip Inside    2:18
15. Daisy    2:33
16. She Low, She High    4:11
17. I know, It's Not Right    3:35
18. A Letter To You    2:34
19. The Lady Of Versaille    2:35
20. Fade    5:27

NOTES

The Confederate Dead debut album 'It Was Meant To Happen' contained only 10 tracks, originally released back in 2012
This is a new remastered version of the album released via Flower Power Records in April 2022, containing 10 new, never before released bonus tracks (20 tracks in total)

Flac Size: 422 MB

THE CONFEDERATE - FLAMINGO 2023

                    

Flamingo' is not just an album; it is a voyage through the labyrinth of heartache and healing. Each track resonates with the overarching theme of the album, yet each presents a unique interpretation of it. Every

song echoes the same meaning, the same core narrative, but from a different emotional lens. The listener is invited to explore this kaleidoscope of feelings, making their way from sorrow to hope, despair to resilience. The decision to name it 'Flamingo' was made long before the album cover was finalized. Fate, it seems, conspired to bring us to a picturesque Italian seaside town, Gatteo a Mare, where a hotel called 'Flamingo' stood as a beacon on the coastline. 
                      

As the azure waves lapped the golden sand, and the setting sun painted the sky with its warm hues, the

vibrant 'Flamingo' hotel became a spectacle to behold. Our dear friend and accomplished photographer Maximillian Hetherington was with us during this trip. Maximillian had also shot our debut album cover 'It Was Meant To Happen,' and once again, his lens captured the magic of the moment. 'Flamingo' is not just an album but a tes'mony of resilience, a testament to the human ability to stand tall amidst life's turbulence, embodying the graceful balance of the flamingo.

The Confederate Dead – Flamingo
Label: Up In Her Room – UIHR015, Little Cloud Records – LC-083
Format: Album, Limited Edition
Country: UK, Europe & US
Released: Jun 16, 2023
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Alternative

TRACKS

                  

01. Let Love Go
02. It's Too Late
03. Misery
04. It's Always You
05. Unhappy
06. Love Is What You Make Of It (When It Dies)
07. My Love, I Try
08. Something Neu
09. I Am Nothing (I Can Be)
10. See & Feel The Light

Flac Size: 236 MB

Headstone Circus: Headstone Circus 1968

 

This project turned out to be a real beauty. Headstone Circus was formed in 1966 by Glenn Faria (who

also released some solo music on World In Sound). This beautiful album was recorded between 1968-1970, and on the first spin it is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – four-way street electric sides. Well-composed, well-performed, and in line with some of the better Neil Young albums, with an extra weird touch. "Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I formed a psychedelic band. 
                         

Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I (Glenn Farla) formed a psychedelic band. On a Halloween night we went to an old cemetery, dropped acid, and spent a very strange night

amongst the tombstones. The tombstones appeared to be melting and taking on animal shapes. Some of us saw spirits, and I'm not sure what I saw, but it was disturbing. Afterwards we referred to that night as the "HEADSTONE CIRCUS". It seemed appropriate to call ourselves HEADSTONE CIRCUS as a band so we did!!
                    

˝The band called Washington, D.C. home and the line-up featured Nick Bonis on bass, Faria on vocals and lead guitar, Mike Johnstone on rhythm guitar, and Randy Pope on drums. With Faria writing their

material, the band apparently recorded material over a two year period, but never scored a contract, or attracted much local attention. That's unfortunate since based on these twelve tracks, they were an immensely talented outfit who managed to soak up then-prevalent sounds (Allman Brothers, Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y, Neil Young, etc.), without losing their own identity. 
                            

Faria had a wonderful voice that was flexible enough to cover the entire musical spectrum from blues ('Born In Georgia') to commercial pop ('Reach Out') and the rest of the band were never less than

impressive with guitarist Johnstone showing major talent whenever he stepped into the spotlight. The abundance of CSN&Y influences (check out 'Bear Down') meant this wasn't the most original album you've ever heard, but it was fun from start to finish and way better than a slew of better know million sellers. You had to wonder why it took decades for this one to see the light of day. Wonder if he band members ever saw any royalties off of this one...˝ 

LINE - UP

Nick Bonis: Bass 
Mike Johnstone: Rhythm guitar 
Randy Pope: Drums
Glenn Farla: Vocals and lead guitar

                           

Headstone Circus – Headstone Circus
Label: Shadoks Music – SHADOKS 061
Format: CD, Album, Remastered Jun 5, 2007
Country: Germany
Released: 1968 - 1970    
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Folk Rock

TRACKS

                      

                    

01. I'm Goin' Down    4:37
02. You Don't Know    6:51
03. Summers Gone    4:43
04. I'm Crazy    5:57
05. Healer    4:09
06. Arms Of God    3:31
07. Born In Georgia    3:55
08. Reason To Live    3:15
09. Reach Out    2:45
10. I Hear The Thunder    3:43
11. I Love The Wind    4:11
12. Bear Down    5:17

Flac Size: 274 MB

Sei Still: Sei Still 2020 + El Refugio 2021

 

Though their taut, motoric beats might scream of 70's West Germany, Sei Still are, in fact, a five-

piece band hailing from Mexico City. Their machine-like sonic experimentations emerging not out acid-fuelled jam sessions in some underground communal space tucked away in this or that German city but, instead, three friends taking a random trip to desolate Mexican woodland to work on a couple of songs that would end up leading them to start a fully-fledged band. Now, said band are signing to London-based label Fuzz Club to put out their debut album "Sei Still".
                           

As well as the given indebtedness to bands like Can, NEU! and the minimalism movement, Sei Still say that they also take great inspiration from “Tarkovsky's ‘Stalker’, ‘Easy Rider’ (the

concept of the road has always been a present image of our collective imaginary) and the aesthetics of Spanish new-wave bands like Aviador Dro and Décima Víctima.” Now ready to transmit their angular Krautrock to a trans-Atlantic audience, Sei Still have spent the last few years cultivating a notorious reputation in their native Mexico, sharing the stage with the likes of Stereolab, Kikagaku Moyo, Holy Wave, Institute, New Candys, 10 000 Russos and Lorelle Meets the Obsolete.
                            

Mexican five-piece Sei Still will return with their second album ‘El Refugio’ on November 26th 2021 via London’s Fuzz Club Records. The follow-up to their 2020 self-titled debut album marks a number

of changes for the band. Not only have they upped sticks and moved from Mexico City to Berlin, but their sound has undergone a process of evolution too. Where the debut LP was an exercise in mesmerising Krautrock channeling the likes of Neu! and Can, ‘El Refugio’ keeps hold of that motorik pulse but trades the debut’s more expansive and hypnotic tendencies for a collection of dark, wiry post-punk vignettes. 
                     

The album is a more skeletal effort than its predecessor but packs a greater punch precisely because of that; the songs are shorter and unapologetically to-the-point, brimming with a tension and anguish that

makes ‘El Refugio’ a deeply affecting listen. “The biggest influence on this record was the fact that our personal lives had a radical change and we felt the need to do something different, to dig deeper into the possibilities of what the band was about. We never wanted to make the same record twice. The songs allude to childhood, dreams, desire, loneliness, paranoia and hope. A longing for a different reality that breaks the monotony of daily life." 
                             

SEI STILL - SEI STILL 2020

                             

Sei Still then are, mostly, on identified ground, using what makes krautrock specific: the ever unchanging and trance inducing “robotik” rhythm, on which the tracks are built by light touches from

other instruments, with a lot of synthesizer effects. Here, the buildup never reaches the breaking point where some others would deliver a massive fuzzy outbreak that would make you lose your mind, the sound remains light, never aggressive, never saturated. It’s a stroll in a beautiful, if a bit monotone, desert landscape, the weather is clear, there’s no storm brewing, nothing is really happening, but you’re having a great time. Sei Still is not the kind of album you can listen to once and then ignore. You can leave it on repeat and never get tired of it.
                                   

Sei Still – Sei Still
Label: Fuzz Club Records – FC129CD
Format: CDr, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue
Country: UK
Released: Nov 2020
Genre: Rock
Style: Post-Punk, Krautrock, Psychedelic Rock, New Wave

TRACKS

                       

01. Blumenkriege - Guest, Vocals – Mabe Fratti
02. El Camino
03. Emisión
04. Fortuna
05. Televisión
06. Ladrón
07. Tácticas De Guerrilla Urbana

LINE - UP

                          

Bass, Vocals, Tambourine – Andres Lupone
Drums, Tambourine, Percussion [Eggs] – Jeronimo Martin
Guitar, Vocals, Organ [Acetone], Tambourine – Lucas Martin 
Guitar, Vocals, Tambourine – Mateo Sanchez Galan
Synthesizer [Moog, Jupiter], Organ [Farfisa], Tambourine – Sebastian Rojas 

NOTES

2nd pressing.
Limited edition of 100 copies, includes one track not on the vinyl versions.

Flac Size: 288 MB

SEI STILL - EL REFUGIO 2021

                     

"El Refugio" is still driven by the taut, propulsive rhythm sections of their earlier work – see the driving

motorik post-punk of "Extrarradio", "Me Persigue" and "Exilio", or the death disco grooves of "Solsticio" – but the surrounding instrumentation owes far more to 70s punk and new wave than any kosmische travellers.  Whilst melodic bass lines propel the music in a perpetual forward motion, guitars flicker from angular and razor-sharp to shimmering and forlorn, peppered by the ambient whirr of synths that oscillate subtly in the background throughout.
                          

Sei Still – El Refugio
Label: Fuzz Club Records – FC143
Format: CD, Album
Country: UK
Released: Nov 26, 2021
Genre: Rock
Style: Post-Punk, Krautrock, Psychedelic Rock, New Wave

TRACKS

                      

I.    Extrarradio    4:54
II.   Me Persigue    2:15
III.  Exilio    4:56
IV.   Soldados Caídos    5:26
V.    Solsticio    3:20
VI.   Las Puertas De La Noche    4:48
VII.  Hombre Animal    3:28
VIII. El Peso De La Piel    4:07
IX.   El Refugio    4:14

LINE - UP

                                              

Drums, Percussion – Jerónimo Martin Sáenz
Electric Bass – Andrés Lupone Ojeda
Guitar – Mateo Sánchez Galán
Organ, Synth – Sebastian Rojas 
Vocals, Guitar – Lucas Martin Sáenz

Flac Size: 245 MB