Whiskerman – ‘Belly Of The Beast’

Oakland California band Whiskerman formed seven years ago, and have established for themselves a formidable reputation, based on their incredible songwriting and lyricism, and stupendous live performance. Their latest single, ‘Belly Of The Beast’, comes ahead of their new album, ‘Kingdom Illusions’, set for release on March 6.

Quintet Whiskerman comprises Graham Patzner on vocals as well as guitar, violin, and keyboards; Will Lawrence on bass and mandolin; Dan Schwartz on drums, Charles Lloyd on guitar and sitar, and Jeremy Lyon on guitar. With that many stringed instruments you might think you’ve got some idea of what they sound like – but you’re probably wrong.

Whiskerman are modern day Haight-Ashbury psych with a twist. Think The Doors but if they were on tour with Jefferson Airplane and decided to combine their bands with The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. Their song, ‘Belly Of The Beast’, is a hard rocking string led psychedelic track with a video to match – Whiskerman don’t do things by halves – they stay in theme right down to their artwork.

The clip feels like you’ve stumbled on a cult – maybe The Family before they lost it. They’re tripping, they’re getting sexy, they’re dancing…they’re…drinking tea. All the while lead singer Graham Patzner holds sway like some spiritual leader as his acolytes throng around, ecstatic in the true sense of the word, venerating him.

Crazy man.

‘Kingdom Illusions’ is set for release on March 6. You can find Whiskerman online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, their official website, and YouTube.