ALBUM REVIEW: The Wicked Whispers, 'Maps Of The Mystic'

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Secluded at the furthest end of the town, down the dirtiest, seedy alleyway in the country – is a record shop. Just like a church or village hall, the only brightness comes from grubby stain glass windows which were still friendlier than the broken pavement. Inside is cave like and equally as dark as outside. Cluttered with hidden gems and poster wallpaper; 70’s dream catchers and glam rock glitter balls hung from the ceiling. There was a point to this journey, and to this story… however its authenticity was questionable when the (to put it nicely) plaited haired man popped up from behind the cassette bar. Trying to outwit a friend whose Mastermind topic would be obscure b-sides, left me no choice but to enquire. Sifting through several copies of “The Best of Rod Stewart”, he pulled out a 7” covered in fiery patterns. “Voodoo Moon” was the title and all that was left was to give it a spin. It was something about putting those broken headphones on and listening loudly that made my surroundings make sense. There was a reason for the retro wall hangings and crammed shelves. Deciding it was more than perfect, I gave it to my friend where he rapturously informed me – how have you not heard The Wicked Whispers before?! I had been outwitted but I had discovered my first taste of modern Psych brilliance.

Maps of the Mystic opens with the innovatively named ‘Chronological Astronaut’ and from here The Wicked Whispers begin their guided tour through their vision of modern day life, whilst wearing orange spiral glasses. A heavy brass section leads this tune, which is incredibly in keeping with the 60s’ intent it was clearly written to possess. Unlike the typical attempt to have that mid-century sound, The Wicked Whispers have taken a very precise approach which is only shown by a band who knows exactly what they are. It is well crafted, giving the listener a summary of what is to follow.

The band have proven themselves over the last couple of years, making this long awaited album, one those very rare must have releases this year. In an ever growing market of new Psychedelic bands becoming increasingly popular, it has surfaced at a very exciting time for the genre. These guys have been name dropped by some of the country’s most loved music critics, and all of them are saying the same thing: you need to give this a listen.

Personally, I can’t say I have ever been, or will ever be a fan of this genre, but that’s why this has proven different for me. Unlike others, it is a very easy listen that appeals to many people not just to those who enjoy a reminiscent trip to their past through music but to first time Psych heads. Apparently, every band from Liverpool sound like The Coral, but that would be putting this very intelligent album into a restricted box. Standing out amongst its fellow 10 songs, is cryptic ‘Medusa’. What makes this song a head scratcher, isn’t the lyrics or the fabulous trippy vocals coming from Mike Murphy, but the layers of instruments allowing your imagination to wander and not used to distract.

The names of each track are very expressive of the music it describes, and when you listen to its contents, you realise that it couldn’t be anything else. Each track holds its own amongst the rest and although there is a stand out song, there isn’t one that you could class as the weakest.