Kevin Bronson on November 4th, 2015

1

There’s no shortage of the psychedelic blues in L.A. underground. The music often comes spirited but messy, as if sounding crisp were some crime against fringe vests. Not so with the new quartet Mind Meld, whose recent sets opening for FIDLAR and Kim and the Created displayed that both memorable songs and admirable ferocity. The band is comprised of singer-guitarist Bert Hoover and bassist Erik Lake — both of whom play in Jesus Sons — along with keyboardist Jeff Fribourg (ex-Froth) and drummer Liz Tooley (ex-Endless Bummer). Their single “You’re Not Free,” just out as a 7-inch on Mock Records, is a buzzing flashback to the groovy ’60s, hooky and unfussy and out of your face in under 2 1/2 minutes. Mind Meld can pummel and jam like the classic bands too, but for now think of “You’re Not Free”, which was recorded at Permanent Records in Highland Park, as a tasty, brief introduction. Play long and prosper.

||| Stream: “You’re Not Free”