Search - Gorky's Zygotic Mynci :: Singles Collection

It's hard to understand how the Coral became a critical and commercial phenomenon while Gorky's remain a footnote in rock history. In the mid-'90s, the Carmarthen teenagers displayed many of the same attributes as the Coral: a faintly alarming eclecticism that usually coalesces into psychedelic folk-rock, a proud disconnection from prevailing trends, and a quirky sense of humor. While their later work is also excellent, collection of early recordings may prove to be their most satisfying set. Rustic disorientation is spattered by the odd splenetic outburst: a cover of Soft Machine's "Why Are We Sleeping?" provides a suitable map of the general territory. But the magic of Gorkys lies also their oddness and unpredictability. So "The Game of Eyes" is a baroque pop classic, roughly resembling "The Monster Mash" covered by Pink Floyd, while "Heart of Kentucky" seeks to graft Krautrock onto country music, and just about gets away with it. Daftness and naivety have rarely been so beguiling. --John Mulvey