Lucy Fitzgerald 
HARVEY RUSHMORE & THE OCTOPUS dig into something darker and more gripping on “Mindsucker”, and the result is a record that sticks with you. The band already had a strong identity, but this album sharpens it in a way that sounds focused and alive. There is a haunted glow running across the whole thing, but it never loses the raw energy that makes psychedelic rock this fun to sit with. The album moves with purpose, pulling from garage rock, krautrock, surf, and psych without sounding overloaded or messy. One of the best things about “Mindsucker” is how well it holds its mood from start to finish. The songs feel connected, but not repetitive. Each one adds a different shade to the record, so the full listen has shape and momentum. “Wet Rabbit” opens things with a sharp kick, and from there, the album keeps drawing you further in. “Hope”, “Bitterkraut”, and “Painting Colours” build that strange atmosphere even more, while “Moon Reject”, “Cloud Driver”, and “Acid River” keep the set moving with plenty of character. By the time “Cosmic Waves” arrives, the record is fully in its own world, and the title track closes it in a way that fits perfectly.
I really enjoyed how this album stayed immersive without overplaying its hand. For me, “Mindsucker” works best when you let it run all the way through and give it your full attention. There is also a strong visual quality to the music. You can sense the pull of horror imagery, late-night movie weirdness, and a warped kind of beauty in the background of these songs. That gives the album a memorable personality. It sounds confident, slightly dangerous, and full of detail without losing its direct punch. The guitars have bite, the rhythms keep things steady, and the overall sound has enough grit to keep it human. HARVEY RUSHMORE & THE OCTOPUS have put together a record that knows exactly what kind of space it wants to create. “Mindsucker” is dark, stylish, and seriously enjoyable, with enough movement and personality to keep bringing you back for another listen. It is the kind of album that can pull you in on a first listen and still leave more to uncover.
Make sure you keep up with HARVEY RUSHMORE & THE OCTOPUS and spend time with “Mindsucker” properly. Follow the band, keep this release in your rotation, and add your favorite track to your playlist so it’s close at hand when you want something a little strange, a little loud, and a lot more memorable than the usual weekly listen. Records like this deserve more than a quick pass, so give it room, live with it for a bit, and let it sink in.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
