SOOTHE

"Soothe" is an EP release by Norwegian hard rock act Motorpsycho. The EP was originally released in a very limited number of copies on 12" vinyl (it´s interesting to note that the A- side is 45-rpm. and the B-side 33-rpm). It was released through Voices of Wonder in 1992. There is a very rare edition available too, which was released in a steel box. All 70 copies of that special edition are signed by the band members. The six tracks on the 34:53 minutes long EP are also featured on the "8 Soothing Songs for Rut (1992)" compilation album, which was the first time they were released on CD.

The music is raw and distorted hard rock heavily influened by especially late eighties Soundgarden albeit with a personal twist. The tracks are generally pretty long and already this early on in the band´s career there are jamming parts mixed with more structured vers/chorus sections. The opening track "Lighthouse Girl" is probably the best example of that. The sound production is a bit rough around the edges and a more warm sound could probably have made the overall listening experience a bit more enjoyable.

Generally "Soothe" is a pretty good release by Motorpsycho though and not even their attempt to mutilate "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas comes off too disrespectful. Just a bit amaturish. A 3 star (60%) rating is deserved.