Pure Photonic Matter, Vol. 2

Art DiFuria's Photon Band is back with a collection of new sound-of-1968 psychedelic pop rock songs that will make you wonder how producer Michael Nesmith kept a side band of Keef, Syd B, Peter T, and Roky E a secret. The Photon Band often evoke that period of hard rock post-Sergeant Pepper, when things started to get serious. Rock culture was still counter-culture, the medium's message was of new values, anti-materialism, eastern philosophy and liberation from society's aged constraints. No two songs on Pure Photonic Matter, vol. 2 adhere to the same formula. And yet, they somehow flow seamlessly, one to the next. No one has the gestalt of rock song craft down like Art. It's delightful, moving and spooky to hear the many almost familiar hooks, melodies, and moods he conjures to create classic pop-rock masterpieces that somehow sound brand new at the same time. The reverence and finesse with which Art evokes the mojo of the The Who, The Beatles, Barrett-era Pink Floyd, T. Rex, Neil Young and many others makes a music head smile, cheer and hit repeat.