Search - Silver Watermelon :: From Lemon Drops to Vibration of Sequence in Order

Psychedelia that swings!

Thomas M. Bayne | Spokane, WA United States | 03/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The remnants of THE LEMON DROPS, a worthy, overlooked psych-garage band, hook up with keyboardist "Rafael,"around 1970 or so, and the result is this hugely entertaining album featuring mostly instrumental tracks. Rafael plays organ throughout, sounding a bit like Lee Michaels of the same era -- only better. The rest of the band delivers sizzling guitar (sounding occasionally like Carlos Santana), bass & drums. The compositions are solid, with interesting tempo-shifts. Psychedelic elements mix comfortably with prog-rock/classical influences, surpassing the vast majority of better-known rock albums released at the time. Rafael, who has apparently become known in New-age musical circles (don't hold that against him, however)has abundant chops and solid rock instincts. The lead guitarist rips off some nifty solos as well. It's somehow all good fun, both spacey and energetic, and avoids the pretentiousness that marked, for example, much of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's work. This is a stereo recording with very decent sound quality. If you like late-60's/early 70's rock with a psychedelic edge, featuring a hot organist, go for this baby ..."