RedazioneHertfordshire production duo Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires (Nick Foster and Luke Barratt) are back with their much-anticipated debut LP, Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3. After achieving over 120k streams across digital platforms, racking up millions of plays on TikTok, and receiving airplay from renowned stations such as 6 Music, Radio X, and Absolute Radio, their fusion of breakbeat and electronic experimentation continues to push sonic boundaries. This album, set to be released on Halloween, delivers a kaleidoscopic blend of electronic music and breakbeat while paying homage to a variety of influences ranging from psychedelic rock to Northern Soul.
One of the standout elements of Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3 is its rhythmic complexity. Foster and Barratt, along with their musical collaborators, bring an eclectic mix of breakbeat patterns that give the album a sense of kinetic energy. The drum programming is sharp, syncopated, and constantly evolving. Tracks like “Trash Can Dance” and “Neon Psyche” are driven by frenetic percussive textures that pay homage to 90s UK rave culture while still retaining a modern, fresh appeal. The breakbeat-driven rhythms pulse with intensity and never fall into repetition, keeping listeners hooked with intricate fills and stuttered beats.
The basslines on this album deserve a special mention. Throughout the LP, the bass work acts as the glue that holds together the more chaotic, experimental elements. The low-end grooves add warmth and depth to tracks that could otherwise feel fragmented by their genre-hopping nature. Songs like “Phantom Funk” and “Grindhouse Groove” feature basslines that oscillate between smooth funk and grungy, distorted electronic textures, providing an anchor in the midst of the duo’s wild experimentation. The contrast between the organic and synthetic creates a dynamic listening experience that feels alive and unpredictable.
Synth work is another vital layer in the album’s sonic architecture. Foster and Barratt’s use of synths is as much about atmosphere as it is melody. The synths on Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3 range from lush, swirling pads to abrasive, industrial stabs that evoke the gritty aesthetic of 80s post-punk and electro. Tracks like “Creepshow 3000” feature sweeping arpeggios and oscillating frequencies that create a spacey, retro-futuristic vibe, while songs like “Shatner’s Lament” rely on vintage synthesizer tones to create a nostalgic, cinematic feel. It’s a soundscape that feels expansive, at times haunting, and always immersive.
Atmosphere is central to Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3—it’s more than just a collection of breakbeat and electronic tracks; it’s a sensory experience. The duo manages to channel the weird, wonderful energy of their eclectic influences into an album that’s both theatrical and grounded. There’s a palpable sense of playfulness in tracks like “Bubblegum Apocalypse,” where the quirky production twists and turns like a sci-fi B-movie soundtrack, blending elements of funk, psychedelic rock, and electronic pop into a heady, infectious mix. The album feels cinematic in scope, yet intimate in its emotional impact.
The collaborative nature of the album, featuring appearances from James Atkin (EMF) and Eliot Foster (Good Cop), further enhances its diversity and depth. The addition of guest vocalists and instrumentalists broadens the sonic palette, injecting fresh energy into tracks that range from anthemic pop to ballads reminiscent of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. The vocals often float atop the complex instrumental arrangements, adding a human touch to the electronic backbone of the album.
In conclusion, Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3 is a bold, genre-defying record that showcases Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires’ dedication to pushing musical boundaries. With its intricate rhythms, punchy basslines, atmospheric synths, and immersive soundscapes, it’s an album that demands attention and rewards repeat listens. Whether you’re drawn to the high-octane energy of its breakbeats or the surreal, cinematic quality of its production, this album is a journey through sound that’s well worth taking. We’re proud to host such a high-quality release on our webzine and can’t wait to see how it resonates with fans across the globe.
