sun machine

The Sun Machine: A Groovy Ride Through Psychedelic Rock

Sun Machine, or more accurately, the “Sun Machine” concept, wasn’t a band in itself, but a psychedelic rock phenomenon that swept through the 1960s. It represented a shift in musical consciousness, a yearning for otherworldly experiences, and a playful exploration of sonic boundaries. While the term wasn’t strictly defined, it encompassed a range of artists and bands that shared certain characteristics:

• Cosmic Explorations: Songs often drew inspiration from science fiction, space travel, and the vastness of the universe. Think Pink Floyd’s “Interstellar Overdrive” or Hawkwind’s “Silver Machine”.
• Heavy Use of Effects: Fuzz, echo, reverb, and wah-wah pedals were used liberally, creating a dense and psychedelic soundscape. The Who’s “My Generation” with its iconic feedback-drenched guitar riff is a prime example.
• Lyrical Ambiguity: Many Sun Machine bands embraced surrealism and poetic imagery, leaving interpretations open to listener imagination. The Doors’ “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” with its cryptic lyrics is a testament to this.

The Sun Machine crew wasn’t without its funny side:

• The Who’s Pete Townshend: Known for his windmill-like guitar smashing, once claimed he destroyed his guitar because “it was possessed by the devil”. Apparently, the devil had a terrible taste in music.
• Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett: Famed for his eccentricity, Barrett once claimed he was “a walking talking space station” and even tried to grow a “psychedelic garden” in his home.
• Hawkwind’s Dave Brock: A self-proclaimed “cosmic explorer,” Brock once declared that his band’s music was so powerful, it could “cure cancer”. Maybe not, but it definitely cured some boring evenings.

While the Sun Machine era was relatively short-lived, its influence on music is undeniable. It paved the way for genres like progressive rock, heavy metal, and even electronic music. Even today, musicians draw inspiration from the cosmic sounds of the Sun Machine, reminding us that music can be a powerful tool for escapism and exploration.