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Moon Blood

by FRACTION

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Stephan
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Stephan Simplistic songs. Reminds me a little bit of psychedelic Doors. It is an odd record I like. Favorite track: Sanc-Divided.
Steve Rodger
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Steve Rodger One of my fave’ retro albums owned on an Akarma white label ( useless for the car ) Christian mysticism flavoured lyrics abound only took ( Legend has it ) three hours to record.
lloydd
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lloydd Recorded in 1971, this is part of psychedelic genre history. Vocals remind you of Mr Morrison somewhat.Take a trip back to the begining this is where this genre got its start. God damn this is such a treat. Thank you RIDINGEASY RECORDS. This is the first time i have done this. I am going to comment on something Paul rote said. The lyrics are easy to understand and for his comment that the singer was probably to wasted to pronounce them what an ignorant comment. Favorite track: Eye Of The Hurricane.
paul rote
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paul rote One of the greatest albums ever now on bandcamp!
Super doomy Acid rock ! Amongst the most passionate vocals ever , even if most of the lyrics are incomprehensible. He was probably too wasted to pronounce them clearly😂. Edit many reviews I’ve read comment on the inaudible vocals . I surely don’t understand much of them . What’s the lyrics to “ eye of the hurricane “ ? As far as the “wasted” comment. It’s obvious humor in reviewing acid rock which implies drug use especially LSD .
Don’t do drugs Favorite track: Come Out Of Her.
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about

Fraction--Moonblood

There are very few albums in the psych/punk/hard rock/private presses strata that garner the sort of universal awe and accolades that Fraction’s almighty Moonblood LP does, and even fewer records in the world that could be dubbed ‘Christian Rock’ incur such fierce devotion. Indeed some records just meteorically lift themselves out any genre tag with brilliance and sheer defiance--and Moonblood is surely one of them.
Based in LA, Fraction was a ragged collection of working-class musicians--the line-up was ringleader Jim Beach--vocals; Don Swanson--lead guitar, Curt Swanson--drums, Victor Hemme--bass, and Robert Meinel--rhythm guitar. Beach himself describes those early days: “The guys met through various acquaintances that we had in LA. All of us had been in bands before, but were seeking something with more teeth. We had a small studio in an industrial complex in North Hollywood and started practicing sometimes as early as 4:30 AM. We all had day jobs, so we did what we could.” Amazingly the recording sessions for the album were recorded similarly on the fly, as Beach further states: “The Moonblood recording took place at Whitney’s Studio in Glendale, CA, early in 1971. On a strict budget, these songs were recorded in less than three hours—all of them “one takes.” We played, all 5 of us, simultaneously-- there were no studio effects, no overdubbing or any additional sound effects added. Basically what you hear is considered ‘old school’ recording.”
This workmanlike description in no way prepares one for the pure tortured genius the session wrought. Particularly noteworthy is Beach’s vocals—as commonly stated, the spirit of Jim Morrison is conjured in his deep baritone, which gives way to unparalleled pained howls, at times bathed in delay which trails into the abyss. Fascinatingly enough, Beach cites the much punker Love as his fave LA band over the Doors, and also gives influence-nods to proto-everything rockers The Yardbirds and to Dylan, whose dark word tapestries surely inspired Beach’s lyrics (though lines from The Doors’ “L’America” pop up on the LP) Whatever the case, the man clearly has a vision, as even the stark sleeve concept is Beach’s own.
Equally as integral to the Fraction sound is lead guitarist Don Swanson—his blown-out fuzz riffs set a template for what is now commonly known as “stoner rock” or “acid punk,” and his solos consist of jagged, wah-wah-ed shards of notes, with his amplifier clearly pushed to the limit. Beach says: “Don’s guitar was always my driving force and he did everything he could to keep it over the top. You’d never know that (his sound) was coming from an old, broken down Esquire. Don kept it alive!” The other members contributions shouldn’t be underappreciated though-- drummer Curt Swanson keeps things at a constant simmer, and then boils over when the whole band launches into snarling glory. The band and LP as a whole equals something indescribably intense from start to finish—comparisons to the Detroit late 60s high-energy bands like The Stooges and MC5 abound, as well as the sort of late 60s damaged spirit lurking in biker clubs and disgruntled Vietnam vets. The song cycle on side 1 of the LP in particular cuts to the emotional core, with severely charged dark lyrics like “Extend your thumbs and burn the darkness out of her.”
Which brings us to the Christian aspect--it often can confuse listeners. The Fraction/Beach world of religion is complex and perhaps a bit pagan/sinister than most---fire and brimstone, temptation, and the truth-seeker being burned by this hell on earth—or perhaps as Beach himself best put it: “Speaking for myself, as a believer, it’s been a progressive experience since my childhood. I think we’re all basically driven to live more than religion.”
The album was pressed in a run of but a few hundred to little attention in the day, but now inferior bootlegs flood the marketplace, and originals of Moonblood command thousands of dollars. So enjoy this all-inclusive reissue, which also features for the first time on vinyl, 3 lost tracks-- like the more acoustic-minded “prisms” and “dawning light,” as well as the proto-metal choogle of “Intercessor’s Blues.”

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released July 14, 2023

Re-Mastered by Nick Townsend (Infrasonic Sound)

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RidingEasy Records Los Angeles, California

Formed in 2013 out of Los Angeles, RidingEasy Records is based in San Pedro CA and home to Early Moods | Here Lies Man | Mondo Drag | Salem’s Pot | Randy Holden | The Goners | The Brown Acid Comps | The Well | Zig Zags | Deathchant | Holy Serpent | Monolord | Spelljammer | WARISH ... more

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