The Schizophonics - People in the Sky

 

Surprisingly, I had not yet picked up this, the latest release by one of San Diego's finest, The Schizophonics, so I had to rectify this omission when I saw them the other night here in Vegas. This is a simple package - just a one sheet with the most basic info inside the CD case, but the sounds are what matters and this is another positively explosive package! 

They are sticking to their tried'n'true'n'terrific formula of high-energy, soulful garage rock'n'roll with Lety propelling the beat behind Pat's blue-eyed-soul vocals and wildly psychedelic guitar-wranglings (apparently, he plays bass here, as well - it seems that they pick up a bassist for whatever shows/tour they have going on at the time). "Something's Got To Give" is a frantic garage rocker with hip call'n'answer vocals, great dynamics and a tuneful chorus and, of course, Pat's crazed soloing.  Even more frenzied'n'ferocious fuzz starts off "Steel Eyed Lady" and never lets up with the guitar leads damn near literally bursting through the speakers while Pat woops'n'yelps'n'wails (and answers himself on his guitar) throughout. "Nine Miles" is a bit more of a staccato stomper with a Sonics/Kinks-like lead break, the title cut has an appropriately psychedelic intro but melds into a hip, infectious Hendrix-y garage raver, and the side one closer (for the vinyl, of course), The One I Want", is another 4 chord, start-n-stoppin' rocker.

The ceaseless stompin' continues with "Battle Line", a fierce number slightly reminiscent of "An Empty Heart" but with a hip singalong chorus, "Not Gonna Change My Mind" is a fast-paced riff-rocker/power chord monster, while "Long Way to Go" is another four chord garage rager with a melodic chorus (shades of "Boots Are Made For Walkin'"!), harmony leads and neat break down section. Back to over-the-top fuzz riffs in "Show Me Your Eyes", with yet another crazed lead break and another hiply melodic, singalong chorus, "Like a Mummy" has call'n'answer tag lines in a fired-up 50's/early 60's-styled rocker with vaguely Egyptian guitar lines, "Down and Out" is a garage fuzzer with backing vocals moving in'n'out of Pat's vocals, some truly groovy drumming, and melodic leads, and for the finale, "She's Coming Back", they deliver more fuzz riffin', nice backing vox, a key change, some sharp-edged chords and an infectious melody - great stuff!

Besides putting on an insane live show, Pat'n'Lety are great songwriters'n'singers, they have fab arrangements, great dynamics, terrific playing, and doing catchy call'n'answer numbers to draw you in and make ya wanna sing'n'clap along while you dance to the rockin' beat! Bands that I love rarely connect with the masses, but as I said before, after seeing them draw a big crowd on a Monday after a holiday weekend in Vegas makes me realize that they are destined for big things. They're on tour now - see them while you can still catch them in small clubs!