The difference, by ear
Psychedelia invented this vocabulary under the impression it was discovering something. Neo-psychedelia deploys it knowingly, which is a different artistic act however similar it sounds.
Both are sung cleanly and move at much the same pace, around 70 to 140 bpm. To hear the difference, play The Flaming Lips next to Pink Floyd. Neo-psychedelia grew out of psychedelic rock, fourteen years later.
In figures
Neo-psychedelia
Where it sits
Rock › Psychedelic rock › Neo-psychedelia
In short
Psychedelia retold by every new generation, with digital studios and rather less mysticism.
How it sounds
- Abundant reverb and delay, with the voice treated as an instrument.
- Modern studio production carrying 1960s sonic references.
- Pop melody under a thick layer of effects.
Key acts
- The Flaming Lips
- Tame Impala
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Start here
The pickTame Impala - Lonerism. One man, a bedroom studio, a stadium sound.
Full page →Psychedelic rock
Where it sits
In short
Effects, sitar, feedback and songs that fall apart halfway through. The lab that produced prog, space rock and, indirectly, doom.
How it sounds
- Studio effects: phasing, reversed tape, tape echo, extreme panning.
- Instruments unusual for rock: sitar, theremin, mellotron, harpsichord.
- Structures that come apart - a song can have three unrelated sections.
Key acts
- Pink Floyd
- Jefferson Airplane
- The 13th Floor Elevators
- Cream
Start here
The pickPink Floyd - Interstellar Overdrive. Ten minutes that explain half this tree.
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