“…This album is a rare and refreshing listen, and with a mixture of instrumentals and vocal tracks, Introduction is crazily psychedelic and superbly nostalgic – what a find…”
(October 2010) QDK Media presents the stellar first album from Zambian psych rockers Witch (an acronym for We Intend To Cause Havoc) – originally privately pressed on a small local label in 1973. You’d expect it to be terribly tribal with its African roots but it’s surprisingly conventional – with that distinctive obscure ’70’s sound; think fuzz guitar fusions, Hammond organ, expressive wah and punchy bass, all cradled within some intense blues driven structures.
The title track is uplifting and spritely, introducing each band member with their own little showpiece; their instruments enhanced at each precise moment of acknowledgment. “Home Town” signifies a mellow instrumental featuring a harmonious bass that practically sings – pushing out a melody so reminiscent of the era; the bass often being as expressive and as busy as a lead guitar. The guitar is raw fuzz of unaffected hysteria. The simple blues progression of “Feeling High” is embellished with yet more guitar statements with “See Your Mama” pointing a snapshot to “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks. “That’s What I Want” is built around choppy guitar rhythm. A repetitive groove that’s catchy; a dance like jive to funk driven guitars and vintage vocals. “Try Me” delivers a more earthy guitar introduction complete with some tender rhythmic strums. The fuzz driven lead break comes in, before it later drops to let the Hammond organ sing subtly in the background. The bass is plucked and precise; its raw string quality coming through strongly.
This album is a rare and refreshing listen, and with a mixture of instrumentals and vocal tracks, Introduction is crazily psychedelic and superbly nostalgic – what a find.
Introduction is out now on QDK Media.
