One of the best, most underrated bands of the original era, Medicine, are still at it and making amazing records that continue to fly under the radar. Their self-titled 11th album (and second of 2024) keeps the core of what Brad Laner, Jim Goodall and Julia Monreal do intact — Beach Boys melodies and harmonies paired with technicolor arrangements, wild studio sonic trickery and gonzo drumming — while shifting focus slightly.
The spotlight on “Medicine” is really on the vocals and drumming this time, with Monreal and Laner’s harmonies majorly warped with psychedelic effects and very high in the mix as Goodall’s drums crash in near-constant fill mode. It’s trippier that 2023’s “Silences”, though not quite as magical, but still worth your time. All the up-and-comers could learn a thing or two from the creativity found here.
released September 6th, 2024
Jim Goodall : drums, tapes, percussion, harmonica, ukelele
Brad Laner : guitars, vocals, bass, modular synth, keyboards
Julia Monreal : vocals, guitar, keyboard
bass on 3 by Jim Garafolo
The Fat Angel Sings 