| Excellent psych and blues-rock band, caressed by some light lysergic varnish, formed in Sacramento, CA. in 1967. Kak, a quartet consisting of Dehner Patten (guitar, voice), Gary Yoder (guitar, vocals), Joseph Damrell (bass, sitar, percusions) and Chris Lockheed (drums, keyboards), surely was among one of the best and most underrated californian bands of its era. Their sole album "Kak" (Epic 1969) is nowadays one of the most sought-after by collectors. A fascinating record, rich with 'psichy' visions and mesmerizing electric ballads led by the shining guitar of Gary Yoder. From the LP was taken the single "I've Got the Time/Disbelievin". The second track, in particular, is an oniric electric pearl which outstands by its eccentricity in a lake of acoustic themes. To be remarked are also the long 'suite' "Golgotha/Mirage/Rain", a splendid mind trip close to some galactic temperatures we can find in Crosby and Kantner, grooved by a sharp and distorted guitar, "Bryte'n'Clear Day", penetrating like a sword blade and the catching "Lemonade Kid" which, if graced by appropriate exposure, could have been able to push the whole album straight up into the US Charts. Gary Yoder will be with Blue Cheer in "The Original Human Beings" and "Oh! pleasant Hope" while drummer Chris Lokheed will be with Randy Holden on live performances also contributing to his solo effort "Population II". www.bluecheer.us |
