05 April 2020

THE FLOWER MACHINE – Through A London Window/One In A Million (2020, 7” Hypnotic Bridge Records)

The Flower Machine started in L.A. California (2004) by Dutch-American singer/composer Peter Quinnell. On their Bandcamp page states that numerous low-profile indie releases followed in the US, Australia, Holland, England, and Thailand, but I only find 2 CD, 1 LP, and 1 7-inch release. [“Chalk Dust Dream Of The Tea Cozy Mitten Company” (2004, CD Microindie Records) // “Orange Balloons” (2006, 7” Microindie Records) // “Lavender Lane” (2010, CD Rainbow Quartz International) // Tangerines And Opium Trees” (2015, LP Pink Pony Airlines)]… Anyhow, The Flower Machine these days is Peter Quinnell (Vocals/Guitar), Matt Nice (Lead Guitar/Keyboards) and Carl Dybowski (Drums). Also, Brian Webster (Backwards guitar on Side A). Since 2016, Hypnotic Bridge Records (Indie label based in Los Angeles, California, USA, devoted to the 7-inch vinyl 45-rpm format and specializes in psych-pop singles) keeps on feeding us with little gems of rare beauty. The Flower Machine’s Single is the last Hypnotic Bridge number, 16^th out of 16 (till now, April 2020). “Through A London Window” (A1, 2:49min) simply answers “What do you see/feel through a London window that is located in Los Angeles, California”… A sunny West Coast 60s psychedelic motive is blended with the bittersweet melancholic foggy vibes of British late 60s Psychedelia, too bad that it has to end so soon… Side B occupies the song “One In A Million” (B1, 3:10min) and I only can say “What a bloody amazing reinterpretation!!!” “One in a Million” is a song performed by the Barrett-era Pink Floyd in 1967. Pink Floyd performed the song at a concert in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 13 September 1967. It was never recorded or released, officially! This “cursed” riff lives again through this fresh up-lifting, mind-bending and super-healing version! The trippy keyboards section towards the end acts like a leading light that guides you back to the 60s. I’m sure that Corporal Clegg would have liked this! TimeLord Michalis