Psychotropic Swamp - Coitus Interruptus

Psychotropic Swamp - Coitus Interruptus

Self released - 2019

Blues, Rock, Psych

Rated: ****

From Barcelona, Spain, quartet Psychotropic Swamp make no effort to hide their love of the classic blues on debut LP Coitus Interruptus, and that passion elevates their music beyond any risk of run-of-the-mill retro posturing. Stripped down but never dull, the band flow through nine songs of bluesy groove, taking inspiration from the classics of old while adding touches of Hispanic guitar and Floydian atmospherics. Made clear from the start, however, is that this is a guitar-driven record, and the onslaught of bluesy licks and emotive solos leaves no doubt as to axeman’s credentials. Flowing easily between the lysergic, floating buildup in opener “Coitus”, the ZZ Top-inspired groovy riffing of catchy rocker “Nothing”, and the Santana stylings of “Going down”, the guitar is both soulful and driving, switching between moods with ease. Particular highlights are “Judgement day” with its western rhythm straight out of a dusty old cowboy flick, and “Glass dome”, a languid and truly beautiful cut with haunting, echoing guitar that goes straight for the gut. To top it all off is solo after solo after solo, always complementing the song while being just flashy enough, of which “Mothership” is an especially fiery example. Not to be completely overshadowed by the guitar, however, the rhythm section serves up consistently tight, smooth grooves with in-the-pocket drumming while the vocals easily match and amplify the instrumentation’s various moods. Coitus Interruptus is both a loyal and innovative take on the classic blues rock of the 70s, and the warm, familiar sound is an old friend with a few pleasant surprises up their sleeve.

(Written by Kyle)

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