If you’re looking for psychedelic vibes to elevate your mood like Tame Impala, you can’t go wrong with Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s groovy sounds, Foxygen’s eclectic flair, and Temples’ captivating melodies. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard will energize you with their genre-blending style, while MGMT offers a playful twist with edgy themes. Don’t forget about Pond, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Spiritualized for their unique takes. Keep exploring and discover even more musical gems!
Key Takeaways
- Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO): Their groovy pop elements and vibrant live performances create an uplifting atmosphere perfect for elevating your mood.
- Foxygen: This duo combines psychedelic rock and avant-garde influences, offering eclectic, energetic performances that captivate audiences.
- Temples: Their modern take on 1960s psychedelia and engaging live shows provide a captivating experience that can enhance your mood.
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Known for their energetic performances and diverse sound, they explore various genres, ensuring an exhilarating musical journey.
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre: Their blend of psychedelic rock and captivating live shows resonate with fans, creating an immersive experience that uplifts spirits.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) stands out in the psychedelic rock scene with its captivating sound and engaging performances.
Originating from New Zealand and now based in Portland, Oregon, Ruban Nielson founded UMO in 2010 after his time with The Mint Chicks. Their debut track, “Ffunny Ffrends,” quickly caught attention on Bandcamp, leading to significant label interest.
UMO’s music blends groovy and pop elements, drawing inspiration from mid-’70s David Bowie and classic psychedelic sounds. They have released five studio albums that showcase their evolving musical style and innovative approach.
With a discography that includes multiple albums on Jagjaguwar, their unique style has garnered critical acclaim.
As they tour extensively, you can expect live shows that capture the same vibrant energy found in their recordings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans.
Foxygen
While exploring the modern psychedelic rock landscape, you’ll likely encounter Foxygen, an American indie rock duo that’s carved out a distinctive niche since their formation in 2005.
Comprised of multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Rado and vocalist Sam France, they blend psychedelic rock, folk rock, and glam rock, drawing on avant-garde influences. Their debut album, *Take the Kids Off Broadway*, laid the groundwork, but it was *We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic* that truly launched them into the spotlight.
Known for their unhinged live performances, Foxygen often expands to a nine-piece band, featuring backup singers and dancers. Their reputation for unhinged live shows has been a defining aspect of their identity, captivating audiences with unpredictable energy.
While their eclectic style has garnered acclaim, it’s also led to mixed reviews, solidifying their legacy in the psychedelic revival.
Temples
Temples
Formed in 2012 in Kettering, England, Temples has quickly become a standout name in the neo-psychedelic movement. With James Bagshaw on vocals and guitar, Tom Walmsley on bass, Adam Smith on keyboards and guitar, and Rens Ottink on drums, the band creates a captivating blend of 1960s psychedelia and modern grooves. Their debut album, *Sun Structures*, released in 2014, garnered critical acclaim and chart success, establishing their reputation. Temples emphasizes high-quality production, inspired by vinyl culture, and their distinctive sound features lush guitars, bass, and rich keyboard textures. Celebrating their ten-year anniversary performing at major festivals, they’ve captivated audiences globally, solidifying their status as a key figure in the neo-psychedelic scene while continuously evolving their artistry.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard burst onto the music scene in 2010, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, and quickly made a name for themselves with their eclectic sound and energetic performances.
Initially rooted in garage rock and surf music, they evolved into a powerhouse of psychedelic rock with albums like *Float Along – Fill Your Lungs* and *I’m in Your Mind Fuzz*. Their musical journey doesn’t stop there; they explore genres like progressive rock, jazz, and heavy metal, often showcasing their experimentation in live shows.
With 26 studio albums and notable releases such as *Nonagon Infinity*, they’ve garnered a dedicated following. Their prolific output continues to solidify their status as a leading force in modern psychedelic music. Their latest album, *Flight b741*, further exemplifies their commitment to innovation and creativity.
Mild High Club
Mild High Club is a captivating band that emerged in 2013, initially from Chicago but now thriving in Los Angeles. Led by Alexander Brettin, the group crafts a unique blend of psychedelic pop, soft rock, and jazz, creating a pleasantly woozy and laid-back sound. Their early work began in 2012, showcasing Brettin’s diverse instrumentation and recording techniques. Albums like *Timeline* and *Skiptracing* have been praised for their thematic depth and psychedelic jazz-pop elements. Collaborating with King Gizzard on *Sketches of Brunswick East* further expanded their cosmic jazz influence. Known for hypnotizing live performances, they’ve toured alongside notable acts and left fans enchanted. Their music invites you to unwind and elevate your mood, making them a must-listen for any Tame Impala fan, especially with its frequent mentions of music that draws listeners into an immersive experience.
The Flaming Lips
Although they started in Oklahoma City in 1983, The Flaming Lips have become a cornerstone of the psychedelic rock scene, captivating audiences with their innovative sound and theatrical performances.
With Wayne Coyne at the helm, the band blends experimental techniques and a diverse range of instruments, creating a unique auditory experience. Their debut album, “Hear It Is” released in 1986, laid the groundwork for their distinctive style.
Their breakthrough album, “Transmissions from the Satellite Heart,” introduced you to hits like “She Don’t Use Jelly,” while acclaimed works like “The Soft Bulletin” and “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” showcase their artistic evolution.
Known for their mesmerizing live shows, including the inventive ‘Headphone Concert,’ The Flaming Lips continue to influence the psychedelic music landscape, proving that their eccentric charm and creativity are timeless.
MGMT
Formed in 2002 while attending Wesleyan University, MGMT quickly made a name for themselves in the music scene with their unique blend of psychedelic pop and indie rock.
Initially known as “The Management,” they released demo albums before changing their name. Their debut album, *Oracular Spectacular*, dropped in 2007, featuring hits like “Electric Feel” and “Kids.” These tracks blended humor with catchy melodies, showcasing their satirical take on pop culture. In 2016, they began working on their album *Little Dark Age*, which further showcased their evolution as artists.
As they evolved, MGMT ventured into darker, more experimental territory with albums like *Congratulations* and *Little Dark Age*, drawing inspiration from bands like Talking Heads.
Their shape-shifting sound continues to captivate audiences, making them a must-listen for fans of psychedelic vibes.
Pond
If you’re a fan of Tame Impala, you’ll want to check out Pond, an Australian psychedelic rock band that emerged from Perth in 2008.
With a lineup solidified in 2016, including members like Nick Allbrook and Jay Watson, Pond blends psychedelic rock and pop elements in their music.
Their albums, such as *Psychedelic Mango* and *Frond*, showcase their experimental approach and catchy melodies, often influenced by legends like Damo Suzuki.
Known for their electrifying live performances, they’ve gained international acclaim, touring with acts like Queens of the Stone Age.
Recent releases, like their tenth studio album *Stung*, feature singles that capture their vibrant sound, and their recent album releases have continued to receive critical acclaim.
Dive into Pond’s discography—you won’t be disappointed!
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Since their inception in the early ’90s, The Brian Jonestown Massacre has captivated listeners with their eclectic blend of psychedelic rock, shoegaze, and rhythm and blues. Founded by Anton Newcombe in San Francisco, the band draws inspiration from 1960s psychedelia, incorporating elements from influential groups like The Velvet Underground and Spacemen 3. Their discography boasts 20 studio albums, including *Methodrone* and *Give It Back*, alongside numerous EPs and live recordings. Known for their experimental approach, they weave electronic sounds into their music, pushing boundaries. The band has also gained recognition for their contributions to the indie music scene and their ability to engage with audiences through live performances. With a tumultuous history highlighted in the documentary *Dig!*, The Brian Jonestown Massacre remains a significant force in the psychedelic scene, continuously evolving while influencing new generations of artists.
Spiritualized
Spiritualized
Although Spiritualized emerged from the remnants of Spacemen 3, they quickly carved out their own unique space in the music world.
Formed in 1990 by Jason Pierce, the band blends space rock, neo-psychedelia, and experimental influences. Their debut album, *Lazer Guided Melodies*, hinted at a shoegaze connection, but their 1997 masterpiece, *Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space*, cemented their critical acclaim. The band is known for their emphasis on themes of love, loss, and spirituality, which adds depth to their already immersive sound.
With an evolving sound that incorporates gospel and soul, Spiritualized continues to push boundaries. Their recent releases, including *And Nothing Hurt* and *Everything Was Beautiful*, showcase their innovative spirit.
As they tour and perform live, Spiritualized remains a significant force in the psychedelic rock scene, captivating audiences with their mesmerizing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Common Themes in Psychedelic Music Lyrics?
Common themes in psychedelic music lyrics often draw you into deep existential reflections and spiritual explorations.
You’ll find elements of individuality and self-discovery, encouraging introspection. Surreal imagery invites you to question reality while themes of freedom and rebellion resonate strongly.
Modern takes on these themes address technology, environmental issues, and relationships in the digital age.
Ultimately, psychedelic music creates a vibrant tapestry of sound and meaning that captivates your imagination.
How Did the 1960S Counterculture Influence Psychedelic Rock?
Imagine a vibrant tapestry woven from rebellion and exploration. The 1960s counterculture ignited psychedelic rock, blending social upheaval with a thirst for change.
You’ll find musicians embracing nonconformity, echoing the calls for peace and love. They crafted surreal lyrics that reflected the era’s spirit, inviting you to transcend the mundane.
As this movement flourished, it birthed innovative sounds and artistic expressions, making psychedelic rock a powerful voice for cultural transformation.
What Instruments Are Typically Used in Psychedelic Music?
In psychedelic music, you’ll often hear electric guitars with distortion and reverb, creating that signature sound.
Instruments like the Rickenbacker 12-string and various synthesizers, such as the Mellotron, add depth and texture.
Drums provide the foundation, while acoustic options like tambouras and sitars introduce Eastern influences.
Effects like tape loops and extreme reverb further enhance the psychedelic experience, inviting you into a unique auditory journey that’s both mesmerizing and expansive.
How Has Psychedelic Music Evolved Since the 1970S?
You might think psychedelic music hasn’t changed much since the ’70s, but it’s evolved dramatically.
Since then, genres like neo-psychedelia and electronic psychedelia emerged, blending classic influences with modern sounds. Bands embraced digital production techniques, while influences from various cultures enriched the genre.
The fusion of psychedelia with indie rock and electronic music has kept it fresh, ensuring that its vibrant spirit continues to thrive in contemporary music scenes and festival culture.
What Festivals Celebrate Psychedelic Music Today?
If you’re looking to celebrate psychedelic music today, you’ve got some fantastic festivals to check out.
In Europe, the Psychedelic Experience Open Air and Hadra Trance Festival showcase amazing acts.
Over in Asia, don’t miss the Hill Top Festival in India.
In Australia, the Esoteric Festival offers a vibrant atmosphere, while in South Africa, the Origin Festival is a must.
Each festival promises a unique experience for every psychedelic music lover!
Conclusion
So there you have it—ten bands that’ll lift your spirits and take you on a psychedelic journey. Whether you’re looking to unwind or just escape reality for a bit, these artists are sure to hit the spot. Dive into their sounds, and you’ll find yourself dancing to the rhythm of life. Remember, when it comes to music, there’s always a silver lining waiting to be discovered. So, turn up the volume and let the good vibes flow!
