They Worshipped Cats

Swedish psych-Kraut rockers Les Big Byrd met up by chance with Anton Newcombe at a Swedish record store, where the Brian Jonestown Massacre leader invited them to record and jam with him at his Berlin studio. The result is the band’s debut, *They Worshipped Cats*: a fascinating mix of influences that keeps the rhythm section rocking hard while the remaining members flip the switch to other galaxies. The title track uses a rather robotic lo-fi drum machine for the rhythmic background until real drums cut in for the second half, while the players gather around cheap synths that somehow stay together to weave a gorgeous low-key jam. Members of the group had done time in Fireside (a Rick Rubin signing) and Caesars, a ‘60s-inspired group. Both groups toured extensively to modest success. For their album, they avoided lo-fi recordings and went with well-layered pieces that thrive on Newcombe’s enthusiasm and the band’s obvious chops. There’s even a sweet-sounding pop song (“Just One Time”) snuck in the middle of all the mind expansion.