Search - Mandrake Memorial :: Puzzle

A Trippy Psychedelic Gem....

Joel Ron | Tel Aviv, Israel | 05/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Mandrake Memorial came together sometime in the late 60's in Philadelphia. This talented bunch has released three excellent albums between 1968-1970, quite an impressive output in creative terms. Any collector of 60's Psychedelia will tell you that Puzzle, Mandrake's ambitious third and final album, is regarded today as one of the greatest psychedelic albums. Stylistically similar to some of the Boston bands of that era (Ultimate Spinach in particular), Mandrake Memorial's digging into complex trippy Psychedelia has in a way anticipated progressive rock.From the opening track 'Earthfriend Prelude' and throughout this magnificent artistic album, Puzzle blends tripped out orchestral experimentation with quasi-religious music. Fusing drum crescendos, whispers, weird effects and choirs, with a high degree of instrumentation, we're talking about an ambitious early concept album.Go get this timeless masterpiece."

An overlooked classic

Rocky Mountain | Cornfields, Illinois, USA | 11/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have the original on vinyl, but it's been played so many times I bought the CD for the sound (and the remastering is decent). I lived near Philly back in the day and saw these guys live a few times - quite a trip. On their first album they used an electronic harpsichord, the second had a homemade synthesizer, then Puzzle - with rather sophisticated electronic effects for 1970, and used very creatively in my opinion. Guitarist and synth guru Craig Anderton went on play a significant role in electronic music, including writing for Electronic Musician magazine. If you're looking for a different psychedlic experience than the 60's San Francisco scene, give MM a try."