PsychoYogi is a UK project with Progressive Rock sounds with forays into Jazz and Alternative. The new album “Brand New Face” is due out on September 29, 2023 and contains 10 tracks ranging from 3 to over 6 minutes in length. An interplay of violin and horns opens “Destitution” and immediately immerses us in the sounds of the record characterized by intricate time signatures and complex textures. The vopcal parts are dynamic and expressive, while the melodies are a perfect fusion of Prog and Jazz with a freshand modern imprinting. The exploration of the more Jazz side of Prog continues with “Arts & Farces,” which shows a more retro side of the band, especially in the vocal parts. “The Process” features drumming enhanced by percussion and to complete the rhythm section a deep, load-bearing bass line. A good succession of very intense sung parts and elaborate instrumental parts with a fine malgam between violin and horns. Tempo changes enrich the song and are the main thread of the whole work, allowing here to insert an Oriental touch to the sound. The following track “A Happier Song” is a concentrate of technique and positive melodies, enhancing the band’s compositional and performing technique. The vocal parts accurately interpret the lyrics, developing a track that brings the sounds of the 1970s into a personal and modern context. Layering guitar arpeggios open “The Chase” and then give way to a fine violin melody. Here again the textures are elaborate,at times intricate but always engaging, allowing the theme of the song to develop with technique and quality. In the finale there is also room for a distinctly Jazzy guitar solo insert. The title track “Brand New Face” perfectly sums up the band’s musical concept. Elaborate time signatures, technical and very expressive singing, and high-level interweaving of woodwinds guitar and violnio. An excellent blend of Jazz and Prog, always with the band’s personal touch accompanying us throughout the album. Rhythmic, engaging and very technical, thanks also to the continuous tempo changes “Opportunity” is at times frantic in its drumming. More airy openings, intricate passages and virtuosity serve the band’s sound, resulting in an enveloping track. The more Prog side with a Jazz and Experimental twist characterizes “Everything Before,” another track that reecs and aport the atmospheres of the past into a modern context. Bass lines flesh out the track, while choral vocals alternate with technical and complex passages where violnio and guitar intertwine. One of the tracks where we find passages one of the most complex time signatures on the record is definitely “Open Season.” Slower but with some intricate tempo changes and textures and very warm and expressive vocals. Winds are at the center of the melodies, alternating with violin and guitar inserts. “Find Peace Within” closes the album, characterized by energetic passages and others with the violin giving a Symphonic touch. An excellent conclusion to this work that is sure to capture the listener’s attention, leaving one wanting to listen again in the future. A record that with each listen reveals new passages and ideas and interesting details. A blend of Prog, Jazz and Experimental traits, with a markedly personal and original style. Skillful the band to create its own style and to offer it with technique and quality. a recommended listen for lovers of the more Jazz sounds of Prog, characterized by complex rhythms and technical and elaborate passages.
Tracklist
01. Destitution (05:32)
02. Arts & Farces (03:11)
03. The Process (3:47)
04. A Happier Song (3:50)
05. The Chase (6:39)
06. Brand New Face (5:15)
07. Opportunity (4:13)
08. Everything Before (02:54)
09. Open Season (4:11)
10. Find Peace Within (4:49)
Lineup
Chris Ramsing / Guitar and Vocal
Izzy Stylish / Bass
Tim Smart / Trombone
Ben Woodbine-Craft / Violin
Toby Nowell / Trumpet and Sax
Justin Casey / Drums