Ape Skull - Fly Camel Fly (2015)

You know that air guitar you’ve got locked away in the cupboard after losing faith in rock and roll? Well, you may want to go and get it before listen to Fly Camel Fly, the brand new album from Ape Skull. Fly Camel Fly features a lot of guitars and you will be unable to stop yourself from grinning like a loon whilst you imitate the tremendous sounds that emit forth.

Part of the excellent Heavy Psych Sounds roster, Ape Skull have more in common with the like-minded Wedge rather than sone of the more lysergic offerings. Firmly entrenched in the retro blues rock sound of ’69 – ’72, their sole purpose is to relive those heady days and bring back those halcyon times. Don’t fret though, although they seek a nostalgic feeling, Ape Skull also have smarts and know how to play.

So whilst there is nothing new or boundary pushing here, you do get a tremendously executed album with all levels set to fun. It careens ever forward with manic glee and literally bursts with incendiary energy as each track builds on the last. The entire programming of the songs is absolute genius although you hope (and guess) that this was a happy accident brought on by umpteen live performances.

You see, Ape Skull are tight, but also loose at the same time. There’s a relative ease in which they throw out songs such as ‘Early Morning’, ‘Driver’ and ‘Heavy Santa Ana Wind’, which belies the sheer musical talent that is going on. We’ve mentioned the guitars that endlessly wail and scream their blues filled noise, but special mention must go to the phenomenal drumming throughout. If you can’t find that air guitar then the air drums will do just fine.

If you’re looking for some good time rock and roll then you can’t go far wrong with Fly Camel Fly. Yet another masterpiece from Heavy Psych Sounds, this holds the mantle for most ridiculously enjoyable album this year. It’s already this reviewer’s most played album so far and whilst it may not have the psychedelic wonder of Black Rainbows, it does have a certain rock and roll frisson that simply needs to be let loose. Brilliant stuff.~By: Martyn Coppack