H-Monthly January 2008 - Melding 60’s psych-pop and even a dash of the Silver Apples’ experimental drum-meets-synth barrage, NYC’s Wicked Hemlocks have found a nice niche between the psych-rock of the past and modern freak-folk and indie pop. While drugs are recommended, they’re certainly not a pre-requisite for a listen to Quill of the Mad; amidst all the psychedelic freak-outs and experimental noise touches, there is also a melodic backbone of soothing vocal harmonies and even some funk and folk to keep the sober folk at bay. For example, the tribalistic percussion and animal samples that creep through the opening of “Western Front” are complimented by a chorus of “oohs” that hold the song together, and the entertaining cover of the Pointer Sisters’ “Number Count” pits a fuzzed-out bass-line against a spastic update of the original numerical melody (“one, two, three, FOUR, five!”). We also find songs like “Jakowah,” a triumphant folk-rock gem laced with sugary vocals, and the inspiring choral breakdown of “Braided.” This is not to say the album doesn’t have its share of more challenging songs; the aural nuances of “Telepathy De Nature” will make listeners feel like they’re in some Dali-esque world where solid objects melt into liquid sonic textures, and the last minute of “Beneath Their Feet” is certainly not for everyone – if there were a theme song to being buried alive, it might sound like this. For a debut effort, Wicked Hemlocks have tapped into the mad scientist that hides inside them, mixing a maniacal concoction of tripped-out sonic elements and broken pop melodies into a glowing vial of potent freak-out juice that your ex-hippy dad could never have wrapped his mind around back in the day. But maybe you can…-Bill Dvorak Good For: Breaking through to the other side, counting your hairs, showing your pops what the new drugs are like, bus drivers, Topanga Days. Bad For: Wicca meetings, ballet enthusiasts, Disneyland rides, breakdancing on the Promenade.

"Interesting sounds that stimulate madmen in the streets"

- Jared the prophet

"Such diverse genres uncommonly melted into one band, 70's funk/soul driven bass tone to BLUR type mellow tunes, layered with experimental/psychedelia. At times they remind me of a blend of Can & Amon Düül. Gives pleasure to listen..."

-Karim Kozmik Distro

"From the blossoming Brooklyn music scene: Wicked Hemlocks. Jampacked with psychadelic influences, funk, Brit-pop, and heavy doses of experimentation; their future release Quill of the Mad is sure to acquire some buzz from bloggers and critics, alike. I have listened to it several times throughout and the production quality alone makes it deserving of a "headphone listen"."

-Brandon
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