Aleppo Pine – Holy Picnic (Alone Records)
Aleppo Pine are a Barcelona quartet formed about three years ago who wear their influences clearly on their sleeve. A melting pot of the Incredible String Band, Donovan, Fairport and the Beatles jamming in Rishikesh – nothing wrong with that!
Released on Alone Records their new album “Holy Picnic” has a sleeve recalling a lost psych vinyl treasure.
Overall the music is beautifully recorded with sitar, flutes, bongos abounding with esoteric hippy lyrics such as “Don’t turn off the light because your heart wants to shine” from “Black Wizard” recalling Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Other key songs include “Magic Dolmen” which retains the hippy acoustic vibe but ventures deeper into psychedelia with tales of witchcraft. “3rd Eye” takes us on a journey in the mind to the 5th Dimension (!), cranks up the electric guitars but still has a loose feel.
Overall a promising debut release and worth further investigation. You feel the group could build on this and release a killer follow-up.
For further information check out the band:
