Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires is a British production duo hailing from Rickmansworth, England, and composed of Nick Foster and Luke Barratt. Emerging from the intense creativity and DIY ethos of the early 2000s mashup scene, Nick and Luke quickly became known for their eclectic approach to sound, weaving together diverse genres to create tracks that are both surprising and deeply engaging. Their name, inspired by the 1974 cult horror film ‘The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires’, reflects their love of genre-blending and their embrace of the unexpected. Thia duo merges musical styles with bold creativity, creating pieces that shouldn’t work together on paper yet come alive in sound.
Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires’ sound is influenced by a wide range of music movements and genres. From the ’60s UK psychedelic rock and Northern Soul, to the ’70s funk, disco, and post-punk, through the ‘80s new wave, and culminating in the ‘90s UK rave and jungle scenes, they’re like sonic historians, reviving and reimagining genres with modern sensibilities. Over time, they’ve harnessed this multi-genre approach into a distinct sonic identity, creating a “sonic plunderbus” that sweeps through decades of influences. Their work has attracted a significant following, with over 120k streams on digital platforms, 7.4 million plays on TikTok, and substantial airplay on stations like Radio X, 6 Music, and Absolute Radio. Their rise is a testament to both their production skills and their deep respect for the music that shapes them.
To bring their ambitious ideas to life, Nick and Luke often collaborate with other musicians. This time, they’ve enlisted the support of friends from across the music spectrum, including James Atkin from EMF and Eliot Foster from Good Cop. These collaborations, together with their own distinctive skills—Nick on guitar, bass, and keyboards and Luke on decks and samples—allow them to create a sonic landscape that’s broad yet finely detailed.
Just in time for Halloween, “Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3” was released on October 31st, 2024, and it promises to be an unforgettable journey through sound and style. With this album, Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires have crafted a unique blend of sci-fi horror and indie pop—a thrilling mix of bubblegum sounds, psychedelic rock, and funk-laced grooves. Each track explores a different facet of their influences, taking listeners on a cosmic ride that shifts seamlessly from high-energy pop anthems to atmospheric ballads reminiscent of Phil Spector’s iconic productions. As Nick Foster himself puts it, this album is a “sonic exploration” of the genres that have inspired them, from garage rock to psychedelia, soul, and funk, with a surprising tribute to the voice of William Shatner. This LP is both grand and intimate, an ambitious work that captures the duo’s desire to create something deeply memorable and truly epic.
Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3 Album Track List:
Cosmic Discotheque:
The song “Cosmic Discotheque” by Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires stands out as a dynamic and multifaceted exploration of psychedelic rock. Right from its opening, the song sets a mesmerizing tone, beginning with a pulsating drumbeat laced with sensational percussive layers, creating an immersive soundscape that beckons listeners into its orbit. The texture of the drums, coupled with tight percussion, paves the way for a thrilling yet calming guitar line, all supported by a deep, resonant bass. These elements weave together seamlessly, drawing listeners into a transcendent and unique rock opening that balances both cozy warmth and vibrant energy—a balance that feels both refreshingly modern and timelessly classic.
As the vocals arrive, led by James Atkin, they bring a graceful, soothing quality that flows effortlessly within the rich instrumentation. Atkin’s voice, calming yet powerful, feels like the steady hand guiding listeners through the song’s sonic universe. His performance is complemented beautifully by melodic backup vocals that add depth, creating a fuller, richer sound. The interplay between the lead and backup voices adds a heavenly layer to the track, giving it a soulful edge that amplifies the song’s psychedelic roots. This vocal layering is an exquisite touch, bringing out the introspective quality of the lyrics while remaining anchored in the buoyant energy of the beat.
Throughout its progression, “Cosmic Discotheque” develops with surprising twists and turns that keep the listener engaged. The rhythm ebbs and flows, mixing the intensity of the drums with funk-infused guitar riffs and bass lines that feel both raw and refined. The song’s grooves are infectious, with a subtle intensity that makes it both a laid-back listen and a vibrant anthem. Its anthemic feel, combined with hypnotic vocal dynamics and an infectious progression, captures the essence of what Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires are known for—creating a psychedelic journey that invites listeners to lose themselves in the groove and wonder at the artistry that brings it all together.
Something Wicked This Way Comes:
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Legends Of The Seven Golden Vampires, featuring Richard Foster, unfolds with a mesmerizing fusion of rock, funk, and soul that hits like a hypnotic wave. Opening with an enticing synth wave that transports listeners into a space of sonic bliss, the track quickly finds its footing in a smooth yet infectious rhythm. There’s an immediate allure to the steady, groovy drumbeat paired with funky basslines and delicate synth highlights, creating a rhythmic backbone that feels both sleek and energetic. Each layer contributes to an aura that is subtly intense, wrapping the listener in a steady groove that feels as natural as it is captivating.
As Richard Foster’s vocals enter, they bring a soft, soothing presence that flows seamlessly with the song’s groove, adding depth to the track’s celestial vibe. His voice glides effortlessly atop the rhythm, creating a sense of movement that feels almost transcendent. Background harmonies soon join in, enhancing the track’s ethereal quality and amplifying its warmth. There’s a unique layering at play here, where the vocal melodies, soft yet expressive, intertwine with the rhythm to create a sense of floating, pulling the listener deeper into its sway. It’s a soundscape that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive, wrapping you in a groove that feels otherworldly.
As the song unfolds, subtle instrumental touches elevate it further, like the delicate trumpet-like tones that appear, giving the track a lush, soulful edge. The texture of this brass-like sound adds a velvety finish to the piece, a rich, warm detail that feels like the final touch on an already impeccable arrangement. By the end, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has woven a spell, leaving an irresistible groove that stays with you long after the music fades. It’s a stunning display of Legends Of The Seven Golden Vampires’ ability to blend elements of rock, funk, and soul into a track that feels both refreshingly original and timelessly enchanting.
Rialto:
“Rialto” by Legends Of The Seven Golden Vampires, featuring the rich vocals of Richard Foster, is a masterful dive into smooth, hypnotic soft rock. From the opening, the track immerses listeners in a serene ambiance as a gentle drumbeat sets a soft, rhythmic pulse that feels like a heartbeat. Following this is the warm embrace of piano melodies and an understated, ecstatic guitar line, all layered under a deep, majestic bass that resonates steadily, grounding the piece. Together, these elements create a downtempo groove that’s simultaneously calming and energizing, pulling the listener into a flow that feels as organic as a river’s current, soothing and entrancing.
Foster’s vocals enter with a demure passion, weaving effortlessly through the song’s intricate instrumentation. His voice is restrained yet full of depth, riding the soft wave of the arrangement with a tenderness that enhances the track’s cozy, laid-back quality. There’s a sense of careful craftsmanship here; the vocal delivery is subtle yet purposeful, perfectly attuned to the steady rhythm and ebbing flow of the melody. Each phrase he sings seems to echo the gentle intensity of the instrumental, creating a balance that feels both intimate and expansive. The song’s magic lies in how effortlessly Foster’s voice integrates with the other elements, each part enhancing the other in a harmony that feels almost otherworldly.
As “Rialto” progresses, it layers in delicate under-vocal melodies that add a celestial richness to the piece. This additional layer brings an ethereal warmth that elevates the entire soundscape, giving the track a transcendent quality. The progression builds subtly, intensifying as the vocal melodies intertwine with the instrumentation, creating a lush, immersive experience. By the end, “Rialto” feels like a complete journey, leaving listeners in a serene, almost dreamlike state. It’s a track that demonstrates Legends Of The Seven Golden Vampires’ prowess in crafting music that is both deeply calming and endlessly captivating, a gentle marvel in soft rock that lingers long after the final note fades.
Season Of The Witch:
“Season Of The Witch” by Legends of The Seven Golden Vampires is a spellbinding instrumental that entrances listeners with a steady, almost meditative progression. Built around a gentle, unwavering drumbeat that forms the song’s core, the track unfolds like a cinematic journey through the psychedelic, with an alluring softness that pulls you in. Each element is carefully woven; the pure, ethereal guitar melodies drift in and out with a natural, transcendent beauty, while the bass adds a deep, magnetic undertone. There’s an otherworldly vibe here, with the underlayer percussions adding just enough texture to keep the sound flowing. As the track builds, haunting synth melodies emerge, adding a layer of eerie mystique to the soundscape, but always keeping to its mellow, hypnotic pace. The result is a groovy, downtempo rhythm with a calming allure that feels almost like a surreal dream.
What truly stands out in “Season Of The Witch” is its breathtaking consistency and smooth, progressive intensity. The track doesn’t rush; instead, it breathes, layering in elements subtly as if casting a spell with each new sound. The gradual evolution of the rhythm maintains the listener’s interest, and the entire arrangement feels both soothing and intense, drawing you into a hypnotic loop of sound that is as calming as it is captivating. The track sustains a delicate balance between laid-back and haunting, creating a listening experience that is deeply immersive and thoroughly enchanting. Legends of The Seven Golden Vampires masterfully create an instrumental piece that transcends genres, offering a beautiful yet eerie exploration of sound that’s as memorable as it is mesmerizing.
The themes of “Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3” vary from the cosmic and surreal to the grounded and introspective, exploring a full range of human experience against a backdrop of supernatural storytelling. Each track is like a vignette, a window into a particular emotional state or scene in the larger story Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires is telling. This Halloween release serves as an invitation to a party that feels as if it’s happening in another dimension, where time is suspended, and genres blend freely. For fans of psychedelic rock, soul, and funk, this album delivers with intricate rhythms, layered vocals, and dynamic instrumentals. For indie pop enthusiasts, it’s a testament to the genre’s flexibility, showcasing how tradition and innovation can coexist.
Legends of the Seven Golden Vampires prove themselves as skilled craftsmen of sound, creating an album that is as cohesive as it is diverse. Whether you’re looking for high-energy pop anthems or introspective ballads, this LP has it all. It’s an album best listened to in full, allowing each track to build upon the last and lead the listener into the next phase of the journey. “Psychedelic Soul & Trash Vol.3” is not just an album; it’s an experience, and it’s one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on listeners long after Halloween has passed.
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