Last week, when Wollongong-based outfit Psychic Sun unleashed their latest single Backfire, we were immediately on board with their blistering, fuzzy, psych-rock sounds.
So, fresh off the track’s release, we caught up with the band for a playlist of their favourite fuzzy tracks. With songs from The Stooges, Tom Waits, Ty Segall, and more, this playlist has got your week’s listening sorted.
Hot off the release of their incredibly fuzzy new single Backfire, we caught up with Wollongong outfit Psychic Sun for a playlist of their favourite fuzzy tracks.
Ty Segall – Girlfriend
Ty Segall defies logic. The guy is super prolific and has so many killer tunes. Love the way Girlfriend has a boogie to it but is still so tonally unhinged. Geoff (Psychic Sun guitarist and vocalist) put me onto him through this track. I’m always telling my friends that are into King Gizzard that they should give Ty a listen.
Violent Soho – Dope Calypso
Probably one of the best live bands ever. They’re really good at doing what we call ‘happy heavy’, major key progressions that still sound massive. The only other band that does it that well is Deftones. Since their record Hungry Ghost came out, they’ve been the soundtrack to so many of our parties and BBQs. To me Violent Soho belong in the same class as AC/DC and Midnight Oil; bands that define Australian rock.
Soundgarden – Searching With My Good Eye Closed
Soundgarden are a big influence on all of us, especially Ben (Psychic Sun drummer). Odd riffs and rhythms that still work. They are like nobody else. We’ve jammed some covers of theirs at our practice space, and Geoff blew his voice out trying to hit Chris Cornell’s notes. He is still so sorely missed. Every part of the band is solid.
Tom Waits – Goin’ Out West
Geoff, Josh (Psychic Sun bassist) and I got into Tom Waits when we met at uni, especially the Bone Machine album. This track has such a weird, creepy vibe to it, but it’s also just boss. The lyrics have swagger. He rarely uses fuzz on his tracks, but this one just kills. A creative genius for sure.
Dead Meadow – Sleepy Silver Door
Dead Meadow are a pretty versatile band and this track shows it. Mellow, washed-out vocals mixed with rich fuzz that is just on the edge of losing control. The delay loop at the end of the solo is awesome.
Kyuss – One Inch Man
Another one that is a regular in our playlists. I love the way that Kyuss were spawned out of the DIY Californian desert generator party scene. On paper the thickness of their fuzz shouldn’t work but it does. You can’t try to sound like Kyuss because you will fail. One of a kind.
Electric Wizard – Funeralopolis
No one will ever sound as heavy as Electric Wizard did on this track. They do what it says on the tin – they sound like their band name. Just a brutal tidal wave of fuzz. They really let the riffs breathe, and the psychedelic filter at the end just sends it over the top. Great driving song, just make sure you don’t scare anyone in the car. I’ve done that before.
The Stooges – No Fun
The Stooges rule. To think they were doing this sort of stuff in the late 60’s/early 70’s is mind-blowing. A crusty rhythm tone into the solo at the end that just takes off. I think every band wishes they were as cool as The Stooges were back in the day.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Conscience Killer
Great tune with killer lyrics. Really dig the raspiness and uncontrolled nature of the fuzz, especially before the last verse. I think they’re very underrated.
Smashing Pumpkins – Geek USA
When I heard the Smashing Pumpkins in high school, it made me want an Electro Harmonix Big Muff so bad. Siamese Dream could easily be my favourite album of all time. So many crushing riffs mixed with delicate moments. They just got it perfect. I could switch this song out for Hummer, Cherub Rock or many others on this record, it’s pretty flawless in my opinion.
The Velvet Underground – What Goes On
The Velvet Underground are an important influence on me, especially on tracks like Sister Ray off White Light White Heat. For a long time, we’ve often played a cover of What Goes On in our set. The two simultaneous noisy solos are what makes this tune so great.
Backfire is available now. Watch the video here.
Catch Psychic Sun live at any of the following dates:
Wednesday, May 15 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
Thursday, May 23 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
Saturday, June 29 – Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong
