Psychedelic folk-rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marty Thompson releases his concept album, Unwind.
Thompson explains, “‘Unwind’ brings back the jam scene sound of the ‘90s while keeping it fresh with unconventional studio work using modern quality components and unique instrumentation, all wrapped in a neat concept album. The LP begins with the title track hailing the call to ‘walk the path to unwind,’ and we’re off!
“We trip through a lyrical 24-hour cycle after sharing a cup of late-night ‘Ruta Maya Moonshine’ and explore night in the Hill Country of Texas under a full moon. 7:AM comes early, and we take a stroll to admire this amazing day…’ so much to see…’ Morning bleeds into a long and sunny afternoon on a Sunday where we stay for extended jams under intense Sunshine.
“Finally, we share sundown with the ones we love in ‘Paradise,’ before heading off into night once more. The farm cat peeks in on Old John during a sandstorm as he plays his fiddle made of gold, and we all end up at the neighborhood bar for last call from the ‘Bartender.’ Goodnight! Finally, the LP reprises the title track, reminding us all to UNWIND. Please enjoy this journey of original sound and poetry.”
While growing up in West Texas, Thompson listened to Van Halen, Ozzy, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and ZZ Top. Later, he studied guitar with Scott Fraser while working as stage tech at a club named The Aardvark, where he worked and played with Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Patrice Pike (Sister 7), The Toadies, Tripping Daisy, Soulhat, The Grapes, Deep Blue Something, and Matchbox 20.
In 2015, Thompson dropped his first solo album, If You Could See Me Now, followed by Romantic Stories, My Kind Of Woman, and 2021’s Attics.
Encompassing nine tracks, the album begins with the title track, rolling out on low-slung layers of psych-rock with hints of country-rock, topped by Thompson’s evocative, relaxed vocals.
Entry points include “Ruta Maya Moonshine,” dripping with dark, lysergic guitars riding a mid-tempo rhythm. Washes of intertwining psychedelic tones imbue the tune with an intoxicating feel and flow.
The intro to “Sunday / Sunshine” conjures up suggestions of Eric Clapton, and then segues to a psych-flavored tune reminiscent of Leonard Cohen covering CSN&Y. A dazzling, hallucinogenic guitar injects the tune with a protracted, mind-altering solo.
A personal favorite because of its coruscating guitar, “Forgotten Dust” projects delicious musing tones. Whereas “Old John Blues” merges country and psych-rock flavors traveling on a bass-driven rhythm as Thompson’s melancholy-laced vocals glide overhead. Polished, phantasmagoric guitars infuse the tune with hallucinatory textures.
Brimming with luscious psych-rock flavored by tangs of country rock, Unwind offers listeners a bewitching trip through a single day.
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