Words by Samantha Townsend | @meltingwax_photography
For this reviewer, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are intrinsically linked to Mo’s Desert Clubhouse and Royal Blood – both of which always put me in a good mood. In 2018, I got to see and photograph the Crumpets in the Burleigh Heads warehouse on a Saturday, and then watch them support Royal Blood at Riverstage on the Monday, and I still think about the joy of this every time I hear them. So when I listened to the opening track of ‘Carpe Diem, Moonman’ and could hear this influence so clearly, I knew the seventh record from the Perth psych-rockers would promise another wild ride through their eclectic musical landscape. Indeed, ‘Carpe Diem, Moonman’ is an album packed with their signature sound – think swirling guitars, punchy rhythms, and lyrics which transport you to otherworldly places. It’s a testament to their growth as musicians and their unyielding desire to innovate.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets burst onto the scene in 2014 with a sound as colorful and chaotic as their name suggests and quickly carved out a niche in the psych-rock genre, blending fuzzed-out guitar riffs with kaleidoscopic melodies. Their lineup, featuring the charismatic Jack McEwan and Luke Reynolds, showcased a chemistry that’s palpable both in the studio and live.
From their debut album ‘High Visceral, Pt. 1′ in 2016, the Crumpets have steadily gained a loyal following. Their infectious energy and penchant for experimentation have made them a staple in the modern psych-rock scene. With each release, they’ve pushed the boundaries of sound, drawing influences from classic rock, punk, and even a bit of funk. The Crumpets’ rise in the music scene has reflected this with a series of notable tours starting with The High Visceral Tour in 2016-2017 followed by the And Now for the Whatchamacallit Tour in 2019, where they quickly gained traction across Australia, captivating audiences with their debut album’s eclectic vibe. The band expanded their international presence through European tours and standout moments like supporting Tame Impala, while their performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and Splendour in the Grass solidified their status as a must-see live act in the modern psych-rock scene.
New release ‘Carpe Diem, Moonman’ really captures the wild, kaleidoscopic spirit Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are known for, but with fresh twists keeps things exciting throughout. It’s that same fuzz-drenched, garage-psych vibe fans of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Thee Oh Sees will instantly recognise, but the Crumpets add their own quirky charm and melodic sensibility to make a sound which is undeniably theirs. There’s this perfect balance between chaotic energy and catchy hooks that grab you from the first listen and doesn’t let go.
Right from the start, Another Reincarnation kicks in with a burst of vibrant guitar riffs and a groove that’s impossible not to move to – it’s a bit like if Tame Impala and The Black Keys had a jam session in a garage somewhere. The production here is raw but polished enough to let every little twisted melody shine through. It’s a seriously fun track that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Then there’s As The Hummingbird Hovers, which slows things down just enough to show off their more psychedelic, trippy side. The swirling synths and layered vocals bring to mind the dreamy textures of MGMT mixed with the gritty edge of The Flaming Lips. It’s got this hypnotic vibe which feels like drifting through a neon-lit dreamscape, and the lyrics hit you with a thoughtful punch without feeling heavy-handed. Similarly, Weird World Awoke stands out for its introspective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation with McEwan describing it as a reflection on the strangeness of modern life, echoing themes of disillusionment while maintaining a playful tone.
On the other end of the spectrum, March On For Pax Romana smashes in with a punchy, almost punk-inspired energy, reminding you the Crumpets aren’t afraid to crank up the intensity when the mood strikes. The driving bassline and frantic drum beats give this one a real adrenaline rush, while the jangly guitars add a bit of psychedelic flair, which keeps it from feeling like just another rock song.
Throughout the album, you can hear the Crumpets experimenting with different textures and sounds – from fuzzy, reverb-soaked guitars to moments of tight, almost funky rhythm sections – proving they’re not just sticking to a formula. You can hear nods to classic rock influences, with moments feeling like a love letter to the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, while still feeling fresh and modern. It’s Psychedelic Porn Cumpets’ ability to balance nostalgia with innovation which sets them apart in the crowded psych-rock scene. Fans of bands like Parquet Courts or Temples will appreciate the way Psychedelic Porn Crumpets mix influences to create something fresh and unpredictable.
‘Carpe Diem, Moonman’ feels like a natural progression for the Crumpets. They’ve kept the raw energy and adventurous spirit that made their earlier work stand out, though they added some maturity and polish to make for a richer listening experience. Overall, it’s such a fun and colourful musical journey and the perfect escape into a world of sound.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are currently wrapping up their North American tour, and are about to take their electrifying live shows across the UK and Europe – so if you have the chance to see them live make sure you do – they really know how to connect with the crowd and take you on a wild ride! Full tour and tickets can be found at psychedelicporncrumpets.com.
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Thanks to Beehive PR
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