Ecstatic Vision – Elusive Mojo
Release Date: 13th May 2022
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds
Bandcamp
Genre: Stoner Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Rock and Roll.
FFO: Hawkwind, Earthless, Brant Bjork, Black Sabbath.
Review By: Anthony Petitt
Elusive Mojo, the fourth album from Philly Psych Rock quartet Ecstatic Vision, drops the listener right into the action from the get-go with March Of The Troglodytes. The one minute track is an energetic and hypnotic intro to the record, and a good introduction to those unfamiliar with the band’s unique style. Like The Stooges before them, Ecstatic Vision utilize the saxophone to fill out their psych-punk sound, separating themselves from their peers in the scene.
Following this enthralling but all too brief introduction is the album’s title track. Ecstatic Vision are a very bass-driven band, and this is exemplified here. Bassist Michael Field Connor absolutely shreds, and wah-soaked guitars and echoing vocals contribute to the song’s vibe. An infectious guitar line emerges during the back half of the song. Ecstatic Vision have a way of using repetition to draw a person in, without the person even knowing that it happened. They excel at creating a dense but inviting sonic space that you can’t help but be drawn into. This is especially apparent during their electric live performances.
Times Up is an up-tempo number with some great vocal and instrumental work all around: each member gets to shine on this one. The Kenzo Shake is dark and intense, but a rewarding listen for those willing to fully dive into it. The keys are a great addition to the song. Venom has a more open, sparse sound almost reminiscent of The Doors, with singer Doug going from a low drawl to a barking cry à la Jim Morrison. Venom transitions ultra-smoothly into The Comedown, which feels like a direct continuation of the previous song. It comes in the form of a far more laid-back, sleepy jam, worthy of it’s title.
The last song on Elusive Mojo is the manic, four-on-the-floor Deathwish 1970. The track is raucous, and the sax is used to maximum effect. If Ecstatic Vision intended to end this album with a bang, they certainly succeeded. 
(4 / 5)
