Tropic Psychic is the debut full-length from Sinister Surfer, Zachary Luten’s psychedelic surf rock outfit from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The title is a variation on ‘psychotropic’—drugs that affect the brain and nervous system—and for good reason, as its eleven songs take the listener on a shimmering, mind-altering journey through death, love, and mysticism.

As is typical of the genre, sun-soaked melodies—fuzz and reverb for the win—and gloomy themes are present, but this record is distinguished by melancholic vocals (only two tunes are instrumental, including Elvis Has Left The Building), derailed guitars, a meandering organ, soul influences, and cinematic samples (for example, closing track Revolver features a 1936 recording of Harry Houdini’s final séance). No half-measures, just full-blooded transformative energy.

Tropic Psychic is out now digitally and on vinyl LP through Sexy Surfer Records. Featuring Zachary Luten (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Bobby Storbakken (guitar, vocals), Ale Chavez (bass),Enrique Castaneda (keys), and Elijah Pomerleau (drums, percussion), with Kendall Jones (drums, percussion on select tracks.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp