A Tale of Crescendo ~ Chapter 9: The Clash; Chapter 10: The Reckoning
- Bill Kurzenberger
“Mike Hall Is Calling” by Nick Nicely–Single Review
“Mike Hall Is Calling” by Nick Nicely–Single Review
Psychedelia has immense potential, but it often risks being repetitive, boring, and stagnant. Nick Nicely’s “Mike Hall Is Calling” defies these pitfalls, showcasing the genre’s roots in risk-taking and originality. Unlike, say, The Murlocs, who embody the stereotypical Australian psychedelic sound, or Sonic Dawn with their 60s retro vibe, Nicely chooses a more intriguing path with this single, which features two captivating tracks.
The first track, “Mike Hall Is Calling,” immediately grabs attention with its sound collage of traditional guitar, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers that create a dream-like, space-warping atmosphere. The vocals shift from harmonious to a discordant cacophony that challenges the listener’s perception of reality. The innovative sound mixing enhances the track’s allure, reminiscent of early 2000s internet oddities found on YouTube, keeping listeners engaged with its mystical, ever-changing beat.
The B-side, “Wonderful Day,” features a lot of reverb and feedback, delivering a surreal jam session vibe. This track, with its far-out sounds and unending dream-like quality, serves as an accessible introduction to psychedelia, bridging the genre’s varied decades. It evokes the psychedelic guitar styles of Jimi Hendrix and Jorma Kaukonen, but blends them with modern experimental beats, creating an enticing contrast that draws listeners in.
Nick Nicely stands out as one of the most intriguing psychedelic artists of the 21st century. While he doesn’t offer the polished, mainstream sound of Tame Impala or the quirky style of King Gizzard, his eerie, experimental music carves a unique niche. His work exemplifies the core strength of psychedelia: experimentation. Without it, the genre risks stagnation. “Mike Hall Is Calling” is a must-listen for those who crave adventurous and unconventional music.
‘Mike Hall Is Missing’ / ‘Wonderful Day’
new 7” single from Fruits de Mer
– on sale June 10th
– limited to 300 copies
Psychedelia985 is a psychedelic rock enthusiast whom you can follow on Instagram.
You can also follow Nick Nicely on Instagram.
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