Psychedelic Breakfast CD

Deuce, the second album from Connecticut's Psychedelic Breakfast, is bursting at the edges with youthful energy and big (occasionally cosmic) ideas. Unfortunately, it is also sophomoric, derivative, and heavy-handed. The members of the quartet, especially guitarist Tim Palmieri, are talented musicians. It's just that they have a hard time separating their music from their influences, which include, most prominently, Phish and Frank Zappa (such as the doubled guitar/vocal melody on the chorus to "Buquebus"). Songs -- such as the 13-minute opening "Tribal Funk Affliction -- careen through stylistic and tempo changes before landing momentarily for some harmonized vocals on silly and/or drug-wisdom lyrics. "Dreams of ecstasy in flight/Living them now it is right to/Free your mind and see the light," they sing on "See the Light." Despite all this, the music is strangely infectious. One can't help but feel the joy at the peak of "Beef Barley," knowing that it probably makes their loyal fans froth. The build is both surprising and immature, and neatly characterizes the pleasures of Deuce. The band hasn't quite worked out a complete sense of decorum yet. Eventually, Psychedelic Breakfast will probably shed these still-young hyper-activities for something more patient. In the bargain, these youthful transgressions will be smiled fondly upon as necessary steps toward saying something original and graceful. ~ Jesse Jarnow

New Haven, CT's favorite meal of the day signs with Philadelphia based Sonance Records, a division of Sonance Entertainment Group.A true fusion of funk, jazz and good ol' rock-n-roll. Hundreds of fans gather for the groove when PB comes to town! With a mailing list of over 2000 and growing, they are favorites to open for national acts like Parliament Funkadelic, Leftover Salmon, Robbie Krieger, Iron Butterfly, Country Joe, Vanilla Fudge, Max Creek, The 2001 Berkshire Mountain Festival, and more! 2001 has been PB's coming out party. Just 2 years young and they have established their presence on the New England music scene. In addition to playing some of the hottest clubs and festivals in the Northeast, MTV has recently featured 4 PB originals on the show "Undressed." PB takes an intense approach to music. Complex arrangements, interesting melodies and great song writing have allowed them to capture the same magic as some of their influences. (Bar owners have no fear!) In addition to their very popular original tunes, PB have re-invented some of history's finest. Songs from Zappa, George Clinton, Led Zepplin, The Dead, Phish, Hendrix, The Chili Peppers, and many more are on the playlist!

Recording information: Horizon Studios, West Haven, CT (03/13/2001-03/??/2001).

Personnel: Tim Palmieri (vocals, acoustic guitar); Ron Spears (vocals, acoustic bass, electric bass); Adrian Tramontano (vocals, drums); Meg Johnson , Jordan Giangreco (vocals).

Audio Mixer: Vic Steffens.