Psychic Temple

The years have seen many incarnations of Psychic Temple. The band, a kind of catch-all for the works of Chris Schlarb, has evolved from ephemeral post-rock ruminations to psychedelic jazz ensembles that bloomed with luminary keystone contributions from Mike Watt, Sufjan Stevens, Julianna Barwick, The Chicago Underground Trio, Dream Syndicate, Lisa Bella Donna, Dave Easley, Terry Reid, Jeff Parker, and far more. Between the bouts of spiritual jazz, psychedelic reinterpretations of stoner metal classics, and ambient institutions, the band has often returned to a more pastoral place.

Great swaths of Schlarb’s works III and IV found the band searching the cosmic countryside. Likewise, many moments on Houses of the Holy were rooted in country and Americana and it’s to these shores that Schlarb returns for Doggie Paddlin’ Thru The Cosmic Consciousness. The sprawling jazz ensembles retreat and the album, hinted to be his last under the Temple’s name, winds its way through loose country funk, JJ nightshade shuffles, and rootsy moments that swing at the ‘70s in the best ways. Recorded in the Joshua Tree desert, the album has a rumpled swagger to it — organ cool downs, soaring background vocals, sweaty groovers greased to perfection, and denim-dusted AOR that slouches on the porches of the mind.

It’s a fitting swan song, if that’s indeed how this album winds up. Psychic Temple has spent years gathering the West Coast heads for monumental achievements, but the more this one rolls around the speakers, it feels like Chris slipping into the solo troubadour trip. Expansive landscapes roll through each piece as themes of parenting and a more patient life permeate the album. By the time the listener gets to “Fields of Grass / 9 Is The End (It’s Over)” the record pulls onto the pavement, watching the legacy of Psychic Temple set in the rearview, gone with a sigh, but beautiful in its receding glow.

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