Forgotten series: The Mystreated – Lovely Sunday Dreaming (1997)

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By the time Lovely Sunday Dreaming entered the shops, the Mystreated had already gained a star-studded reputation amongst garage punk advocates in the shape of a couple of albums and several EPs and singles. Starting out on rather primal footing, the British band advanced with each effort, and although they maintained a staunch ’60s mentality, they tightened up their act considerably.

Swimming in a sparkling sea of rainbow-riddled tones and textures, Lovely Sunday Dreaming (Shindig! Records) beams boldly with the kind of psychedelic beauty offered by groups like the Strawberry Alarm Clock, the Byrds, Tomorrow and the Zombies. But the Mystreated were no bland emulators, as their songwriting techniques were exceptional and they executed such missives with discipline and confidence.

The Zen-informed lyrics of “Pure & Free” correspond perfectly with the mesmerizing, meditative mood pervading the atmosphere. Punctured with the ringing rumble of a tabla, the spellbinding tune flickers and floats to a nice relaxing pace. As a matter of fact, all of the songs featured on Lovely Sunday Dreaming project a spiritual tenor. Introspective insights rule the show, and the vibe is positive and inspiring.

Sculpted of jangling guitars and celestial harmonies, the kaleidoscopic power pop of “Whilst Standing Still” and the haunting “Reaching Out From Inside” count as further select highlights on the record, not to neglect the equally engaging “Universal Energy,” “A Separate Reality” and “See That Man,” which slings a sizeable shot of snotty Seeds and Music Machine styled garage rock rabble into the pot.

Glistening with gorgeous melodies, cleverly-chiseled arrangements, whirling organ work and shimmering vocals, Lovely Sunday Dreaming is indeed lovely and dreamy. The Mystreated certainly possessed a thorough knowledge of genuine psychedelic music, and this album continually affirms their smart and emphatic approach to the genre.

Sad to say, Lovely Sunday Dreaming marked the end of the band. But you can’t keep a good musician down, and lead singer Mole soon founded the Embrooks, whose Rising Storm meets the Electric Prunes type sound is strongly recommended as well.

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Beverly Paterson