Purson - Desire's Magic Theatre

Purson are something of an anomaly in the modern age – their entire sound and look is based on a bygone age yet they manage to avoid being a pastiche of that era, so convincing is their act. I really liked their 2013 debut album The Circle & The Blue Door, and having finally seen and loved them live recently my hopes were high for this eagerly awaited second long player.

Opening with the six minute title track is a masterstroke. Strong and powerful with a lysergic swagger this is probably my favourite track on the album, especially given the sax break reminding me of King Crimson. Such a strong statement of intent, Rosalie Cunningham’s voice is powerful and wistful in equal measure. First single Electric Landlady features phased vocals and lovely keyboard touches from Samuel Robinson, and is more overtly psychedelic. Although Rosalie is the obvious focal point of the group, this truly is a band effort, with quality musicianship allowing the music to sound current, whilst still wearing its influences clearly on their bellbottom sleeves.

This album has a wonderfully English feel to it – in that way the Kinks always had, like a musical accompaniment to Alice In Wonderland. The Sky Parade has that nightmarish ‘down the rabbit hole’ quality, allowing the band to showcase their most progressive qualities. Similarly The Window Cleaner is a musical trip, with a whiff of the music hall and Victoriana that influenced so much of the original 60’s psych music and which set it apart from its US counterpart. The album ends with the seven minute The Bitter Suite which is a perfect microcosm of all that is good about this release. It even features Jon Seagroatt from legendary acid folk band Comus and their First Utterance album is clearly an influence on some of the sounds within.