Introducing Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Scene
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Belgium has a thriving psychedelic rock scene, and we’re here to introduce you to some of the best bands around. Expect plenty of mind-bending tunes and killer riffs.
Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Scene
Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene is one of the most interesting and unique in the world. Psychedelic rock is a genre that is often associated with the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene has its own history and identity, and it continues to evolve and grow. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene and its most important figures.
The origins of Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene
Psychedelic rock, also known as psych rock or garage rock, is a subgenre of rock music characterized by use of psychedelic effects, often achieved through the use of electronic instruments such as the theremin, and amplified feedback. Psychedelic rock bands often incorporated elements of Eastern culture, particularly sitar and tabla.
The first psychedelic band from Belgium was formed in 1966, called The Kangaroo’s. They released only one single, “No No No”, which was not very successful. The song was later covered by the Welsh band Super Furry Animals.
The second Belgian psychedelic band was calledmillionaire’sAgaricus Bisporus and formed in1969. They were influenced by second wave psychedelia occurring in San Francisco and London. They released two singles, “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Agaricuserectus”, before disbanding in 1972.
Third on the list is Kaleidoskope, who formed in 1970 and were inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Cream. They released three singles between 1970-1972, “Mr. Sunshine”, “I Can Seefor Miles” and “Do You FeelIt?”. Kaleidoskope are considered one of the earliest examplesof psychedelia emanating from outside the UK or US.
Last but not least is Polyphonic Size, who formed in Brussels in 1981. They were active for a decade and released six albums before disbanding in 1991. Polyphonic Size were known for their dense wall of sound and their highly political lyrics delivered in a monotone voice.
The Golden Age of Belgian Psychedelic Rock
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a golden age for Belgian psychedelic rock, with a vibrant and innovative scene that produced some of the most exciting and unusual music of the era. Based in the capital Brussels, the Belgian scene was fuelled by a heady mix of elements, from the experimental avant-garde to the more traditional song-based rock of the time.
One of the key figures in the Belgian psychedelic rock scene was musician and producer Alain Neffe, who founded the influential label Different Fountains in 1968. The label was home to some of Belgium’s most innovative bands, including Aksak Maboul, Tea Set, and Univers Zero. These bands pushed at the boundaries of what could be achieved with rock music, creating dense, complex soundscapes that drew on a wide range of influences.
Psychedelic rock was just one part of a larger underground music scene in Belgium that included a wide range of genres and styles. This diversity meant that there was something for everyone on the fringes of society, whether you were looking for mind-expanding experiments or simply good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. With its vibrant creative spirit and open-minded attitude, Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene was one of the most exciting and innovative musical movements of its time.
Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Today
Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Today
Psychedelic music first started being made in Belgium in the late 1960s. Since then, Belgium has been home to a number of different psychedelic bands and artists, many of whom are still active today. Psychedelic music in Belgium has undergone a number of different changes over the years, but it remains an important part of the country’s music scene.
There are a number of different Belgian bands and artists that could be considered psychedelic, but some of the most popular include Theorry of Everything, Black Mirrors, and elderwood. These bands all have their own unique take on psychedelic music, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the genre.
Psychedelic music in Belgium is still evolving and changing, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With so many talented bands and artists working within the genre, it is sure to continue to surprise and delight fans for years to come.
The Bands of Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Scene
The Belgian psychedelic rock scene has been on the rise in recent years, with a number of great bands emerging. One of the most popular bands in the scene is “The Atomic Bitchwax”. They are a three-piece band that formed in 1993 and have released six studio albums. Another popular band is “Brainticket”, who formed in 1968 and have released eight studio albums.
The Cosmic Machine
The Cosmic Machine is a Belgian band that was formed in 2012. The band’s music is a mix of psychedelic, rock, and electronic. The band has released two albums, “The Cosmic Machine” (2013) and “The Map of the Universe” (2015).
The band consists of Sam Gouthier (vocals, guitar), Jef Bertels (drums), and Pieter-Jan Bruggeman (bass). The Cosmic Machine has been compared to bands such as Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, and Spacemen 3.
In 2013, the band released their debut album “The Cosmic Machine.” The album was well-received by critics and was praised for its psychedelic sound. The album reached #1 on the Belgian charts and #2 on the Netherlands charts.
In 2015, the band released their second album “The Map of the Universe.” The album was even more successful than their debut, reaching #1 on both the Belgian and Netherlands charts.
The Gories
The Gories were a Detroit garage rock band, formed in 1986 by Mick Collins (vocals, keyboards), Dan Kroha (guitar) and Peg O’Neill (drums). The band dissolved in 1992, but reunion shows have been staged periodically since 2008. They were a major influence on two laterDetroit garage rock revival bands: The White Stripes and The Dirtbombs.
The Gories became known for their no-holds-barred live performances, which often included destroying their instruments onstage. Their first full-length album, House Rockin’, was released in 1989 on Crypt Records. It was followed by Out of Sight, Out of Mind in 1990 and Houserockin’ in 1991. A live album, I Know You Fine, But How You Doin’?, was released in 1992. In 2006, the album Third Man Live 07-14-2006 was released by Third Man Records.
The Stooges
The Stooges were an American rock band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967 by singer Iggy Pop, guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave Alexander. Friends since high school, the Asheton brothers began playing together as a rhythm section for local Michigan bands. They soon recruited Iggy Pop and Alexander, both of whom had played in different high school bands. The band was marketed as a psychedelic rock group, but their raw garage rock sound was more prevalent on their early albums.
The Future of Belgium’s Psychedelic Rock Scene
Psychedelic rock is a genre of rock music that is inspired, or influenced, by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic rock can be traced back to the mid-1960s, when bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Byrds began incorporating elements of psychedelia into their music. Belgium has been home to a thriving psychedelic rock scene for the past few years, with bands such as The Black Angels, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and The Dandy Warhols gaining popularity.
The New Wave of Belgian Psychedelic Rock
The Belgian psychedelic rock scene is thriving, with a new wave of bands bringing a fresh take on the genre. From the folky sounds of Silver//Dust to the heaviness of Intergalactic Lovers, there’s something for everyone. And with festivals like Levitation Belgium becoming increasingly popular, it’s clear that the scene is only going to get bigger and better. Here’s a look at some of the best Belgian psychedelic rock bands to keep an eye on in the future.
The International Appeal of Belgian Psychedelic Rock
It’s hard to pin down the exact moment when Belgium’s psychedelic rock scene began to take off. Some would say it started with the formation of The Atomic Bitchwax in 1993. Others might point to the release of The Paperhead’s 2012 debut album, Africa Avenue.But one thing is certain: over the past few years, there has been a surge in interest in Belgian psychedelic rock, both inside and outside of the country.
Psychedelic rock is a genre that is notoriously difficult to define. At its core, it is music that is inspired by, or seeks to recreate, the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. But what sets Belgian psychedelic rock apart from other genres is its willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, often within the same song.
This experimental approach has led to some truly unique and groundbreaking music being created in Belgium over the past few years. artists like Radar Men from the Moon, Wooleye Mountain Prophets, and White Manna have all pushed the boundaries of what psychedelic rock can be, and in doing so have garnered attention from all over the world.
The international appeal of Belgian psychedelic rock is no coincidence; it is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of those who make it. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting in the world of music, be sure to keep an eye on Belgium’s ever-growing psychedelic rock scene.