Thee American Revolution - Buddha Electrostorm

Primitive garage stompers fly their freak flag high. Re-release of 2009 LP with bonus tracks and fresh packaging.

Originally released in 2009 by Garden Gate/Elephant 6 Recordings Co., Buddha Electrostorm is getting an worthy re-release on Fire Records complete with an extra track. Thee American Revolution is the musical pairing of Robert Schneider (Apples In Stereo) and his brother-in-law, fellow psychedelic adventurer Craig Morris (Ideal Free Distribution). Though there's credit given by the duo to the input of one “William Shears”, a British musician of supposedly 60's pedigree. Though I get the feeling this could be a ruse to create interest and mystery. Let's not forget Billy Shears is a name used on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. There's also the conspiracy theory that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a Canadian policeman named William Shears Campbell. Whoever Mr. Shears is, his influence is evidently a good thing as a quick listen will prove.

There's a clue as to their sound by the seemingly obligatory “Thee” as opposed to “The”, a long standing garage band tradition. The album is an American take on the brasher end of the 60's British Invasion, with bands such as The Who, early Kinks and The Troggs providing the template for their roughly hewn garage rock. The three chord riff from Wild Thing gets a makeover on several of the tracks, a difficult thing to pull off without sounding tired and jaded but they manage it, aided by a sprinkling of lysergic psych-pop. It's an album that's heavy on the fuzz and wah-wah pedals, has more hooks than you local fishing tackle shop and rocks like a mutha. Revolting in the best possible way.