Psychedelic Pioneers Peter Daltrey and Mark Mortimer Join Forces on 'Running Through Chelsea'
In an era where nostalgia meets innovation, Peter Daltrey of Kaleidoscope/Fairfield Parlour fame has teamed up with former DC Fontana member Mark Mortimer for a psych-rock revival that's anything but a rehash. Their new album, Running Through Chelsea, credited to Peter Daltrey and The Know Escape, is a testament to the enduring power of '60s psychedelia filtered through a contemporary lens.
From One Line to a Full Album
Speaking to Jason Barnard of Strange Brew, Daltrey revealed the serendipitous beginnings of this collaboration. "Mark asked me to contribute just one line to a song," Daltrey recalls. "Before we knew it, we were knee-deep in an entire album." This organic evolution speaks volumes about the chemistry between the two artists.
The result is a perfect marriage of Daltrey's poetic lyricism and Mortimer's knack for capturing the inventive spirit of '60s psychedelia. It's a sound that's both familiar and fresh, like stumbling upon a long-lost classic that's been remixed for the 21st century.
A Poet's Approach to Rock
Daltrey, who cut his teeth as a poet before diving into the rock scene, brings a unique perspective to the songwriting process. "I always start with the lyrics," he explains. "It's like creating a skeleton that the music then fleshes out." This approach has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to work with what he describes as "incredible musicians."
The 'Psychedelic' Label: A Blessing in Disguise
When asked about Kaleidoscope/Fairfield Parlour's psychedelic label, Daltrey's response is refreshingly candid. "We were just fanatical songwriters who happened to be recording during that brief window of musical history," he says. But far from rejecting the label, Daltrey embraces it. "Being remembered for something in particular isn't such a bad thing," he muses.
"Bukowski's Tambourine": A Taste of What's to Come
The album's lead single, "Bukowski's Tambourine," perfectly encapsulates the Daltrey-Mortimer dynamic. Its accompanying video is a visual feast that complements the song's kaleidoscopic soundscape.
In a recent interview featured on Strange Brew, Peter Daltrey of spoke with Jason Barnard about his life in music and his exciting new collaboration with Mark Mortimer, formerly of DC Fontana. Their album, (credited to Peter Daltrey and The Know Escape), combines Daltrey's exceptional lyricism and Mortimer's affinity for the inventive 60s sound and psychedelic feel.
Watch the video for "Bukowski's Tambourine"
Running Through Chelsea is more than just a nostalgic trip down Carnaby Street. It's a vibrant reminder that the psychedelic spirit of the '60s is alive and well, reimagined for a new generation of listeners.
For those hungry for more, the full interview with Peter Daltrey is available on The Strange Brew. And for an even deeper dive into this exciting collaboration, check out the "It's Happening" section in this month's issue of Shindig! magazine.
In a music landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, Daltrey and Mortimer prove that sometimes, looking back is the best way to move forward. Running Through Chelsea isn't just an album; it's a time machine, a poetry reading, and a rock concert all rolled into one psychedelic package.
