The Future Prehistoric

It’s a rare band that is willing to take on dark energy. In fact, Australian psychedelic folk-pop band Richard In Your Mind don’t seem intimated by much at all: scientifically, musically or otherwise.

In many ways picking up where Pink Floyd departed circa 1971, Richard In Your Mind concocts mesmerising pop songs about science and nature. And they cover their scientific topics with genuine poeticism – from dark energy (“It seems / That dark energy will defeat gravity / And succeed in stretching the universe / Into oblivion”) to stingrays (“A parade of 13 stingrays passes / Just beneath the surface gliding / Their way to somewhere in between / The lightening and the land”).

There’s also a fair smattering of humour in their dreamy pop – the track entitled “Ooteh Bowa – Two Possible Alternate Realities” for example – but not so much that it becomes gimmicky.

Richard In Your Mind claim to be influenced largely by artists with names beginning with the letter ‘B’ – Beck, Barrett, Beatles and Bowie – creating a sound that won them the Triple J FM’s Unearthed band competition in 2007. These influences emerge strongly, along with the band’s unashamed 1970s Eastern-influenced revivalism. Strange samples, sitars, harmoniums, bells, jew’s harp, flute and lots of backwards guitar can all be found at various times on this 12-track album. But if that’s what rocks your boat, Richard In Your Mind do it brilliantly on The Future Prehistoric.

If you prefer your music straight, perhaps it is best to avoid The Future Prehistoric, this album is a trip best taken willingly.