Brian Jonestown Massacre

Revelation (A Records)

As long as Anton Newcombe needs to create, there will be a Brian Jonestown Massacre. Say what you will about him – father of modern psych, charismatic narcissist, destructive-on-multiple-levels genius, drug casualty asshole – but he’s issued a torrent of nearly annual releases since 1991. In creating one of the finest oeuvres of any act alive, this San Francisco-hatched troupe needs only to let Newcombe crack open his skull and let the sounds spill forth. Out flows finely honed gems of spontaneous songcraft with an electronic pulse, sometimes lush (“Food for Clouds”), sometimes drone motorik with an acoustic underpinning (“What You Isn’t”), sometimes “Hurdy Gurdy Man”-style troubadour rock (“Unknown”). Revelation notches BJM’s 24th release, as potent a psychedelic experience as you’ll find in 2014. (Sat., 12:15am, Reverberation Stage)

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This article appears in May 2 • 2014.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.