With 2015's
Musique de Film Imaginé,
Anton Newcombe's long-running outfit,
the Brian Jonestown Massacre, took an unusual detour, delivering a cerebral set of imaginary soundtrack cues that paid homage to vintage French cinema. A mere six months later, they came back with the casually named but no less robust
Mini Album Thingy Wingy. Returning to more song-based material, the seven-track collection was made in
Newcombe's adopted home of Berlin and features plenty of sleekly crafted psych-pop that nods to the band's San Francisco roots while continuing to nurture their European influences. In typically eclectic
BJM fashion, the collaborations here range from a Slovakian-language track from guest singer Vladimir Nosal ("Prší Prší") to a
13th Floor Elevators cover ("Dust") that features Alex Maas from Austin-based psych band
the Black Angels on a tricked-out jug track. [
Mini Album Thingy Wingy was also released in a clear vinyl edition.] ~ Timothy Monger