SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK – WHERE’S ONE?

STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK
WHERE’S ONE?
BIG STIR RECORDS

When Strawberry Alarm Clock formed in 1967, it was really the coming together of two bands (Thee Sixpence and Waterfyrd Traene), and when they released their debut single, “Incense and Peppermint,” it was a surprise. The song reached number one in the U.S. That is a tough act to follow, but follow it they did, and since 1967, although their recorded output has been a bit sparse (Where’s One? is their fifth studio album, and their first since 2012’s Wake Up Where You Are), their albums and singles are quite wonderful. Where’s One? has been released, and it is a reason to celebrate. Where’s One? is an incredible album that is full of surprising sounds and music.

Strawberry Alarm Clock are talented writers and musicians. The songs on this album range from garage rock to rock to pop to psychedelic, and they move through each genre with ease. They also manage to squeeze all of this into one album and make it sound very cohesive. Where’s One? flows from track to track, holding the listener’s interest. Lyrically, the album is very mature, with a bit of humour.

SPILL FEATURE: WHERE’S ONE? – A CONVERSATION WITH STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK

An energetic and cool instrumental of The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” that is part surf, part rock, and part psychedelic, whatever you wish to call it, it is perfect. There is an even more interesting Beatles’ cover of George Harrison’s “Within You Without You,” where the band turns an Indian Raga into a psychedelic rocker. This may not have been Harrison’s intention, but Strawberry Alarm Clock twist and turn it, adding guitar and in the process, making it their own.

The album comes completely together with the final two songs, “Tahitian Gardens” and “Galactic Symphony – Persian Skies.” These two songs are the cornerstone of the album. They anchor all the tracks to Strawberry Alarm Clock, both lengthy and brilliant. “Galactic Symphony – Persian Skies” could be the best psychedelic song since “It’s All Too Much.” It is part Zappa and part space rock. Words fail me and are inadequate to describe this future classic song.

Where’s One? is long overdue from a classic rock band that should not be overlooked. It is a brilliant album that incorporates all of their experience and influences, and the listener is left with a top-notch album with strong vocals, brilliant playing, and remarkable melodies that stay with you long after the tone arm is lifted off the record. Welcome back, Strawberry Alarm Clock; we have missed you, and we are so very glad you are back.

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