Sunwatchers outside at the Cooperage for the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023.

The Sunwatchers were an unexpected highlight for me at the 2019 Psych Fest, and this year they returned with a short but powerful set in the back yard of the Cooperage. 

Sunwatchers is an avant-garde powerhouse which emerged from the music scene of Brooklyn in 2012. The band is comprised of Jim McHugh on guitar, Peter Kerlin on bass, Jason Robira on drums, and Jeff Tobias on saxophone. Sunwatchers produces a really exhilarating blend of free jazz, psychedelia, punk, and experimental rock.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 2016, served as a manifesto for their musical ethos. The band's second album, "II," demonstrated a maturation of their sound, with tighter compositions and a more refined approach to improvisation.

Sunwatchers' live performances are known for their intensity and unpredictability. This years’ Milwaukee Psych Fest was no exception. We’re so lucky to share the Earth with these musicians.

recording information:

SUNWATCHERS
2023-05-05
Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest VIII

Peter Kerlin - bass
Jim McHugh - guitar
Jeff Tobias - saxophone and keyboards 
Jason Robira - drums
Meredith McHugh: guest vocals on 2

Tracklist:
1. World People (6:12)
2. Too Gary (3:47)
3. T.A.S.C. ~ Foams (11:50)
4. Beautiful Crystals (7:21)
5. Sunwatchers Versus Tooth Decay (7:26)

Total time = 36:36

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS on stand
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/48
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy their latest album here

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (201 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (145 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible