Spellbinder!
Yep Roc, 2026
9/10
We here at Take Effect Reviews are privy to the greatness of The Third Mind, and their psychedelic improvisation here provides a companion listen to last year’s Right Now!, where 4 tunes embrace spontaneous musical conversation.
“Spellbinder (Tchad Blake Mix)” opens with Michael Jerome’s animated drumming alongside Dave Alvin’s meticulous guitar playing, as the setting turns busy and prog-friendly thanks to Victor Krummenacher’s mesmerizing bass, and “Reap What You Sow” follows with Willie Aron’s intricate keys and Jesse Sykes’ expressive voice making for much emotion and power that’s also cinematic.
On the back half, “Before We Say Goodbye (With Strings)” makes great use Stevie Blacke’s graceful strings amid the dreamy ambience, while “Darkness, Darkness /The Creator Has A Master Plan (Tchad Blake Mix)” exits with lust textures that are pretty, sometimes mysterious and flow with melody and sophistication.
A nostalgic and soulful effort that hints at blues, folk, jam, Americana and rock, few bands play music like The Third Mind, and we’re all better off for it.
Travels well with: The Third Mind- Right Now!; The Third Mind- Live Mind