PSYCHEDELIC BREAKFAST
Bona Fide (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale


Psychedelic Breakfast is a leader among the latest generation of jambands, largely on the basis of the presence of one of the hottest lead guitarists on the scene. Tim Palmieri is a ferocious talent, and that's both a blessing and a bit of a curse for the band. Because he's as good as he is, they have a tendency to craft songs that are essentially just frameworks to hang guitar solos on, and while those solos are invariably worth waiting for, they'd benefit from material that could show the rest of the band in broader dimension. The rhythm section, drummer Adrian Tramontano and bassist Ron Spears, are very strong, capable of setting and holding a groove with the best of the breed, but they're both capable of a good deal more than that, and other than Tramontono's showcase solos, they don't get enough opportunity. Organist Jordan Giangreco is probably the most underutilized player, and largely uninvolved in composing the group's original material, and I think expanding his role would benefit the overall sound.

But they've got themselves a gitar gawd, which is what the crowds show up for, and sometimes you just gotta dance with the guy that brought ya. On this live disc they've got two guitar heroes, in fact, with Seth Yacovone, another of the hottest slingers on the New England jam circuit, sitting in for the album's only cover, the Allman Brothers' "Hot 'Lanta." Because it's also the track that features some of Giangreco's most interesting work, it turns out to be the album highlight for me. It's a pretty straightforward tune, really, and the band would do well to study why the structure of that song works so well for them, when some of their original material falls relatively flat despite being more adventurous in some ways.

Still, this is a real fine album, full of fine guitar work and solid grooves, from a band that's still got a lot of time to develop. If you're a fan, it's a must have, and if you're not a fan yet, it's a great introduction.

Track List:

Drunk Monk Bar * Great Big Fiery Ball In The Sky * Wild Pack Of Asscracks * Escher's Etchings Part 1 * Escher's Etchings Part 2 * Cosmic Spaceway Rhyme * Spunk * "23" Drum Solo * Hot 'Lanta (w/Seth Yacovone) * Rufus * Food For Thought * Taboo Or Not Taboot

© 2003 - Shaun Dale