Psychiatric Kelp – Sea Kelp!
Psychiatric Kelp released the fantastic Sea Kelp! on October 10th, 2021. The project sounded like a mix between the Avalanches and Clouddead, with instances of Beastie Boy’s Paul’s Boutique. Impressive both in the production and songwriting department; Pschiatric Kelp’s debut put many sound-collage projects to shame.
The album completely nailed its aesthetic. Both aquatic and psychedelic, yet not tackily so. Samples seamlessly blended throughout the tracks in imaginative ways, reaching the highs of similar summer-vibed albums such as Since I Left You by the Avalanches. Consequently, much has changed since the Avalanches’ debut; the sample-driven suites are not as impressive as they used to be. The album gets around this with its self-referential humour and range in aesthetics.
The pitch modulation throughout the album is consistently on point; most notably through Rock Ya Funky Head Noiz (feat. The Mossmen). Compositional progressions are fantastic, and some of the best heard in the underground scene in plunderphonics for quite some time. In terms of production, the album is very proficiently mixed. Furthermore, the range of styles is exceptional; especially the iridescent samples throughout Thing 1 and the contrasting heavy rock sample-mania of Thing 2. The most impressive track is easily the humorous rock-driven Fish or Man, though, especially the “When does the fish part happen?” section. Bonus points are also given to the seamless Curb Your Enthusiasm sample in A Vaguely Familiar Sequence of Pitches. As with many projects, there are lesser-quality tracks. 1(800)LIFESOK is underdeveloped and underwhelming, though undeninably fitting between its more impressive counterparts. Click Clock Wood starts rather generically, though undeniably progresses into a breft, yet satisfying outro.
Sea Kelp! Is easily one of the most enjoyable albums I’ve come across in the underground scene. If only it were more innovative; by the end of the album, its limitations are clear. Nonetheless, it’s tight, barely wasting a moment. With the inclusion of a few more genres and some new ideas, it would easily dominate the scene. Despite its lack originality, it soars with character. Highly recommended.
Really Good
Listen to it here
Psychiatric Kelp – Sea Kelp!
