Short Reviews [Banging Colours - 2020 - "Hallucinogenic Treasures from the Convolution of an Imaginative Brain"]

You must give it to these guys, as apparently “Hallucinogenic Treasures from the Convolution of an Imaginative Brain” is a two-disc compilation of all the recording works of the legendary Banging Colours and was recorded between 1967 and 1969. The press release waxes lyrically on how important this band was in the UK underground scene, appearing at the U.F.O. Club and in Middle Earth, and that Matthias Derer has meticulously searched and rummaged through the archives of record companies, radio stations and film studios to pull this all together. The kicker is, of course, that this band did not exist, and this is a brand-new recording, whatever the release says. This marketing campaign may have got away with it pre-internet, but there is no reference to this band anywhere on the web prior to this album, and if they had performed with the major bands of the time, in the major venues, then there would be something. Once this is established then the rest of the press release can be passed quickly by, as it is unlikely that the performers are who they purport to be, apart from the small matter that Markus Reuter supposedly restored the music from the original tapes. So that points towards who the guitarist is in Banging Colours, but the rest of the band remain a mystery, at least for now. But, and this is the kicker, this is a really strong and powerful representation of the period they are supposedly from. With a scratchy violin, Hammond Organ, a bassist Chris Squire would have been proud of, a drummer heavily influenced by Mitch Mitchell, plus adventurous guitar, and while there are vocals, there are also extended periods of instrumental virtuosity. By stating the recordings come from a collection of tapes and different sources, it has allowed the guys to let their imagination roam free and the vast majority of the songs sound as if they were recorded live in the studio, not surprising given Reuter’s background. They embrace many different sounds and styles from the period, so there may be elements of The Nice here, Soft Machine there, Caravan and plenty of the Canterbury scene in another, blending the psychedelia The staccato guitar, harsh violin and organ really do combine over the top of the rhythm section to create something which could have come from the period and will undoubtedly appeal to any fan of the genre. I understand why they have marketed it this way but could have done without the false DJ commentary on a few of the songs – when it is John Peel or Alan Freeman then it adds gravitas and importance, but not here. A double disc set, at nearly two hours in length, this is a fun ride even though it is not what it purports to be. Now just where did I put that single by The Thamesmen?