UK band STRANGE TURN is one of those bands that appears to have a desire to stay fairly anonymous, as their presence on the internet isn’t dramatically visible and their label Mega Dodo aren’t all that up front with information either. The band leader is referenced as answering to the name of Sir Bastion Longfellow, and the single “Pink Litmus Paper Shirt” from May 2014 is the first recording they have issued as a standalone product to my knowledge.

As Mega Dodo Records focus on psychedelic music, it’s not all that surprising that we’re taken on a ride transporting us 50 years or so back on this occasion. The A side track, Pink Litmus Paper Shirt, is one of those charming affairs that use all the elements you would expect from a band with an affection for late 60’s psychedelic rock, with firm staccato guitar licks and a hovering subtly sickly sounding organ as the key elements, with subtly naive sounding lead and backing vocals given plenty of room. In this case with an elongated, cinematic-oriented and at times subtly chaotic yet smooth end sequence.

B-side Elevator Operator is more of a time proven affair, a cover of a song originally penned by The Byrds member Gene Clark. In this case this song is a tight, vibrant affair where the plucked dark toned guitar details, organ bursts and controlled lead and backing vocals adds a distinct Beatles-like atmosphere to the proceedings, possibly with a touch of rockabilly as well.

In sum a pleasant affair, how much so depending on personal taste I’d suspect. If you have a strong affection for late 60’s psychedelic rock with a subtly naive and distinctly English sound to it, then this is a single you might want to seek out. For those keen on physical possessions I should probably point out that a mere 100 copies were pressed though, and I don’t know how many that are left in stock.

 

My rating: 70/100