Bitter Wish at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

We continue an exploration of the bands who performed at the 2024 Milwaukee Psych Fest -- the last year that this beloved festival took place -- with this mind-blowing set by Bitter Wish. 

I don't like quoting promotional material, but I thought this description of the band from their Bandcamp page was perfect: "Formed in Philadelphia during the Covid days of fall 2021, Bitter Wish is a psychedelic power trio comprising guitarist John Comune, bassist Clint Takeda (Bardo Pond/Double Wig) and percussionist Scott Verrastro (Kohoutek/Heavy Lidders). While the band doesn't stray far from its Bardo Pond and Kohoutek roots, they incorporate more repetition and minimalism into their fuzzy vibe."

Purchase their music here.

Recording information:

BITTER WISH

2024-05-11

Milwaukee Psych Fest

John Comune: guitar

Clint Takeda: bass

Scott Verrastro: percussion

Setlist:

01 Entire set (43:42)

Total time = 43:42

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes 

Microphones: Line Audio OM1 omni pair

Additional source: mono soundboard feed

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3

Software: Audacity, xAct

downloads 

(these will automatically download when you click them):

  

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (260 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CD, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (117 MB)

highest quality mp3 files possible

video of a portion of this performance:

Apollo Vermouth at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 6, 2023

Alisa Rodriguez is a Milwaukee-based musician who has been performing under the moniker Apollo Vermouth for several years, along with several other projects including Operations, Sundial Mottos, Dreamsucker, and White Tropics. Her music as Apollo Vermouth is varied and not easily categorized, but I think of it as ambient experimental pop, a genre expanding the perimeters of what can be considered a popular song. There is song structure but with an idiosyncratic approach. Here in this short set she sings and plays guitar over a rhythm track and synthesizers which provide ambient atmosphere.

Alisa is one of the more interesting musicians in the Milwaukee area because of her range and unpredictability. I have recorded her in several contexts and have finally started processing these recordings. I will be sharing more soon.

   

Purchase her music here.

Recording information:

APOLLO VERMOUTH

2023-05-06

Milwaukee Psych Fest

Alisa Rodriguez: guitar, electronics, voice

Setlist:

01 One (3:53)

02 Two (6:41)

03 Three (7:07)

Total time = 17:41

Recorded by Richard Hayes with permission for this blog

Source: Line Audio CM3 stereo pair

Additional source: mono soundboard feed

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads 

(these will automatically download when you click them):

  

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (116 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CD, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (63 MB)

highest quality mp3 files possible

video of a performance at X-Ray Arcade a few months after this festival:

Vocokesh at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023

We have another performance from Milwaukee psychedelic rock royalty Vocokesh, this time from the 2023 Psych Fest. This is another set of big energy improvised psych rock punctuated by extended solos from Richard Franecki.

Buy their most recent album here.

Recording information:

VOCOKESH

2023-05-05

The Cooperage

Milwaukee Psych Fest

Richard Franecki: guitar

Tom Schnier: bass

Jim Gawelski: drums

Setlist:

01 One (10:15)

02 Two (6:33)

03 Three (12:39)

04 Four (7:25)

05 Five (3:41)

Total time = 40:33

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF

Additional source: mono SBD

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6 at 24/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (271 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (191 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

Vocokesh at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 10, 2024

We proceed with our exhaustive exploration of the bands performing at the 2024 edition of the Milwaukee Psych Fest, which unfortunately appears to be the final incarnation of this beloved annual music festival. 

Vocokesh is an improvisatory psych rock band led by former F/I band member Richard Franecki. It's an exciting format which provides for very high energy focused jamming. 

Purchase their most recent album here.

Recording information:

VOCOKESH
2024-05-10
The Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest

Richard Franecki: guitar
Tom Schnier: bass
Jim Gawelski: drums

Setlist:
01 One (8:36)
02 Two (4:38)
03 Three (6:37)
04 Four (3:58)
05 Five (10:46)
06 Six (6:36)

Total time = 41:11

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio OM1 in A-B
Additional source: mono SBD
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (266 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (121 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

Spiral Galaxy at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

Steve Krakow has been a frequent visitor to the Milwaukee Psych Fest, having performed at the music festival several times under the moniker of Plastic Crimewave. His new project with flautist Sara Gossett, Spiral Galaxy, explores a somewhat softer, more intimate version of psychedelia.

For this performance they were joined by Przemyslaw Krys Drazek on trumpet and Brent Fuscalso on bass. Drazak and Fuscalso at one time were collaborating with a range of musicians as Mako Sica, but since primarily been working as a duo and have changed their name to Drazak Fuscalso.

Buy their latest album here.

Recording information:

SPIRAL GALAXY

2024-05-11

Milwaukee, WI

2024 Milwaukee Psych Fest

Steve Krakow: keyboards

Sara Gossett: flute

Przemyslaw Krys Drazek: trumpet

Brent Fuscalso: bass

Setlist:

01 One (14:41)

02 Two (9:44)

Total time = 24:25

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in X-Y

Additional source: Excellent SBD feed via Max Nemer

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (167 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (78 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of an excerpt of this performance:

Frank Hurricane at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

Frank Hurricane came to the outside stage of the 2024 Milwaukee Psych Fest and immediately captured the attention of the crowd with his unstinting positivity and psychedelic take on freak folk. 

At first, as I was watching him perform, I wasn't sure exactly what to think. He was alternating wild, rambling and hilarious spoken passages with wonderful and soulful folk songs. After a few minutes I realized that I was in the presence of a truly unique talent. 

Members of several of the bands performing later were hanging around outside with me, beaming and soaking in every note. Frank's immense humanity and positivity captivated me and I was so happy that this recording came out as well as it did.

Purchase his latest album here

Recording information:

FRANK HURRICANE

2024-05-11

Milwaukee Psych Fest

Frank Hurricane: acoustic guitar and voice

Setlist:

01 Intro

02 Instrumental

03 Eternal Friend

04 Questions

05 Intro to Girthworm Jim

06 Girthworm Jim

07 Banter - Kyle

08 Like A Star

09 Down in Dark Holler

10 Darkness

11 Unknown

12 Sneedville Blues

Total time = 42:30

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in X-Y

Additional source: Excellent SBD feed via Max Nemer

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (282 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (168 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video of Frank performing in Philadelphia a few months after this show:

All-Seeing Eyes at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 6, 2023

I was delighted to be able to see the band All-Seeing Eyes when they brought their garage rock-infused psychedelia to the Cooperage in Milwaukee in May 2023, playing a late afternoon set as part of the annual Milwaukee Psych Fest.

The band is led by guitarist Johnny Wirick, who performs as "Johnny Walker." His past includes a stint in the Soledad Brothers (which he helped form) as well as singing for the 2003 MC5 reunion tour. He played guitar on the first White Stripes album and also did session work for the Detroit Cobras. Interestingly enough, he now practices psychiatry near Cincinnati, OH.

Buy their newest album here.

Recording information:

ALL-SEEING EYES

2023-05-06

Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage

2023 Milwaukee Psych Fest

Johnny Walker: guitar and harmonica

Kane Kitchen: bass

Lance Kaufman: drums

Setlist:

01 Soul to Waste (5:15)

02 Cage That Tiger (4:41)

03 Diddy Wah Diddy [Bo Diddley] (3:37)

04 Somnambulance (2:26)

05 The Wizard (3:48)

06 Brick by Brick - Terraplane Blues (3:08)

07 Blue Cashmere (3:13)

08 Black to Comm [MC5] (6:16)

09 Elevation (2:05)

10 Walk (2:34)

11 Gospel According to John (6:26)

Total time = 43:29

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS

Additional source: SBD

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (265 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (148 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video of All-Seeing Eyes performing in Cincinnati later in 2023:

Blues Ambush at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 10, 2024

Blues Ambush is a power trio from North Philadelphia featuring Ken Brenninger on guitar, Eric Noonan on bass, and Dave Siebert on drums. They specialize in bluesy psychedelic jamming that sounds great loud and in person. They certainly didn't disappoint at last year's Psych Fest, their performance prompting a fellow audience member to tell me that the band was their favorite of the entire festival.

Buy their most recent album here

Recording information:

   

BLUES AMBUSH
2024-05-10
Milwaukee, WI
The Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest

Ken Brenninger: guitar
Eric Noonan: bass
Dave Siebert: drums

Setlist:
01 JA’s Funeral (13:00)
02 Gripper’s Choice (6:47)
03 Hornets (10:32)

Total time = 30:19

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio OM1 in A-B
Additional source: mono SBD
Recorder: MixPre3 in 24/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (195 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (88 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

A video of part of this performance:

Glyders at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

The Glyders are a Chicago-based trio consisting of Joshua Condon on guitar and vocals, Eliza Weber on bass and vocals, and Joe Seger on drums. I first saw them perform during the final show presented at the Collective Back Room in Milwaukee, where they charmed a tough crowd opening for the Bitchin' Bajas.

A few years later I caught them as they performed at the Milwaukee Psych Fest where they presented a short but lively set. Their music contains elements of Americana music but often veers into high energy Krautrock and stoner psychedelia.

Recording information:

GLYDERS
2024-05-11
Milwaukee, WI
The Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest

Joshua Condon: guitar and vocals
Eliza Weber: bass and vocals
Joe Seger: drums

Setlist:
01 High Time (4:06)
02 Geneva Strangemod (3:04)
03 Smith Walker (3:56)
04 Moon Eyes (4:16)
05 Superglyde (1:54)
06 New Realm (4:43)
07 Stone Shadow (4:25)
08 Hey Kid (6:34)

Total time = 32:58

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio OM1 omni in spaced A-B
Additional source: mono soundboard feed
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/48
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy their newest album here.

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (213 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (142 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video of the band at a music festival in the Czech Republic a few days before this performance:

Nolan Potter at the 2023 Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 6, 2023

When I first heard the name Nolan Potter's Nightmare Band, I was worried that I would be listening to nightmarish music. There might be unpleasant vocals or maybe a detuned banjo. Luckily, this was not the case.  

This Austin-based psych band came to the 2023 Milwaukee Psych Fest and played a subtle set consisting of melodic psychedelia infused with elements of Krautrock and 1970s-era prog rock.

Recording information:

  

NOLAN POTTER
2023-05-06
Milwaukee, WI
The Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest

Nolan Potter: vocals, guitar, synth
Sam Blomgren: keyboards
Raze Regal: guitar
Dillon Fernandez: bass, vocals
Cole Koenning: drums

Setlist:
01 Caberfae Peaks (10:09)
02 Singing A Single Song of Satan (11:24)
03 Gregorian Chance (8:08)
04 Seahorse Retreat - A Spirit Lasts Forever (10:31)
05 Stubborn Bubble (9:54)

Total time = 50:06

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS
Additional source: mono soundboard feed
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy his most recent album here.

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (268 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (129 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video of a permformance in Los Angeles a few months later:

En Attendant Ana at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023

The 2023 Milwaukee Psych Fest partnered with several labels, one of which was Chicago-based Trouble in Mind Records. They brought several of their bands with them including one of the many highlights and unexpected discoveries of the festival for me, France's En Attendant Ana. 

This group, which formed in 2014, has more of a jangly indie-pop feel than what many might expect at a festival labeled as being "psychedelic," but one of the many strengths of this festival has been the wide range of music to be found annually at the Cooperage. 

This recording was made using a pair of Line Audio CM3 wide cardioid mics in NOS configuration in the balcony, next to video projectionist Lance Gordon (Mad Alchemy) providing his unique liquid light show. I added in a mono soundboard feed which sounded quite thin yet provided needed clarity in some of the upper frequencies.

Recording information:

EN ATTENDANT ANA
2023-05-05
Milwaukee, WI
The Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest

Margaux Bouchaudon: vocals, guitar, keyboards 

Camille Fréchou: vocals, trumpet, saxophone, guitar 

Maxence Tomasso: guitar

Vincent Hivert: bass
Adrien Pollin: drums

Setlist:
01 Flesh or Blood (2:55)
02 The Cutoff (2:08)
03 Principia (3:43)
04 Do You Understand? (2:37)
05 Somewhere and Somehow (2:10)
06 The Fears, The Urge (5:00)
07 Ada, Mary, Diane (3:15)
08 Anita (4:07)
09 Same Old Story (3:03)
10 Wonder (5:12)

Total time = 34:10

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 pair in NOS
Additional source: mono soundboard
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy their most recent album here.

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (196 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (94 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

a video of their performance in Seattle a few days after this:

Plastic Crimewave Syndicate at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023

Here is another recording from the wonderful 2023 edition of the Milwaukee Psych Fest. This tape features Plastic Crimewave Syndicate, a Chicago group featuring guitarist and vocalist Steve Krakow which has been active since at least the mid-1990s. For this outside stage show at the Cooperage in Milwauke, Steve was accompanied by Andrew Kettering on bass and Jose Bernal on drums.

It was a cool and sometimes windy outdoor set (as can be seen in the photos below) but the music kept the appreciative crowd warm. I was fortunate to receive an excellent soundboard feed from audio engineering wizard Max Nemer which was augmented by my trusty Beyerdynamic MC 930 cardioids wrapped in windscreens.

Purchase their most recent album here.

Recording information:

PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SYNDICATE

2023-05-05

Milwaukee Psych Fest

Outside Stage

Steven Krakow: guitar, keyboards, and voice

Andrew Kettering: bass

Jose Bernal: drums

Tracklist:

01 Cog In A Wheel (6:23)

02 No Place (8:44)

03 Pierce the Veil (Jasper's Last Freak)(8:32)

04 The Killer Skies (9:17)

05 Bound To Seek (4:43)

Total time = 37:39

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC 930 in NOS

Additional source: Soundboard feed from Max Nemer

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (231 MB)

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

320 kbps mp3 files (128 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

a short video from a show in Chicago a few months prior to this festival: