Hoopy Frood - Mostly Harmless
PV008
Hoopy Frood are not really a new band really, As they have existed since the early 00's but we’re especially active after the debut album psychonaut of 2004 and the subsequent show supporting Ozric Tentacles in 2005, a memorable evening one for which Hoopy Frood had to call on friends to make up the ba d up and to perform, The result of which led to a firm collective under the banner of Hoopy Frood and the release of 2 further albums these being Indigo (2009) and Affirmation (2021).
This August (1st) sees the release of Mostly Harmless their new album and their first working with Bad Dog Promotions. This should raise their profile and hopefully introduce their music to a wider audience.
The album is a blend of their infuences which include the likes of Pink Floyd,Free , Ozric Tentacles, Bjork, Fleetwood Mac and Bob Marley, In an innovative melding of styles,sounds and textures.
The music is generally groove e driven with lots of Rhytmic excursions a and strong dynamics used throughout a stro g style of space rock is apparent
The album has 10 tracks of varying lengths all of whch have an upbeat sound to them.
The album starts with Already Home which starts with an atmospheric flute and an ethereal voice before some electronica textures are added along with a strong bass line pulsating synths and a elastic guitar line the winds around the track. It is an interesting sound that is pretty unique to them.
Chocolate Factory follows and again the electronica is present as is the strong bass along with the sinewy guitar line sounding like Dire Strairs with Electronics the vocal is from Myshell Higgins, this very electronic in sound with lots of atmospherics and synths burbling during the song.
The River is next with more synths that strong upfront bass line all adding to the drive of the song, this song has a strrong chorus of I am the river flow with me there is a fine guitar solo to this track, it do like this track it really has presence and sounds great.
Next track is You Are Love which has languid wah guitar sweeps over the track that accompany the vocal this has another strong vocal from Myshell and some great guitar parts including another fine solo with treatments added.
Shine follows and here you can hear the Bjork influences especially in the vocal but also in the spareness of the track its all very wide in its sound with the vocal being central and everything else at the sides it makes for an unusual and different sound, However it does work well and the song really impresses with great sounds in instrumentation.
Chasing the sun follows with a snaking synth line present before bass and drums kick in fully , With synth horns played this sound great with the bass pulling everything together well the sound is busy and full with everyone playing up a storm.
Dream your life the albums second longest track is next with more syths painting an ambient sound wash before the guitar parts begin, This is another strong groove laden track with another extended opening before the vocals start, The vocals are very drearmy in nature with a more ugent tone happening when the guitar starts soloing.
This is a truly exquisite and exciting track with a tremendous sound collage to it. Probably. My favourite of the album.
The final tracks are both shorter but of no less interest these are Nothing and Give
The album is a glorious romp of adventure and Cosmic sounds fans of Ozrics hawkwind and the like will find much to admire here.
A very enjoyable listening experience all told out 1st August you may well enjoy it as I did
Info here: Mostly Harmless | Hoopy Frood