Yama & The Karma Dusters (Euphoria Blimpworks Band)

***Quintessential underground anarcho-Hippie, anti-establishment private press blast by a band (and commune) from Chicago c. 1970, with poetic, sometimes vicious lyrics (Dylan-esque, or Arthur Lee and Love? you decide), and funky, hard-edged bones. YAMA & THE KARMA DUSTERS aka THE EUPHORIA BLIMPWORKS BAND, were inter-racial, anti-war, Stop the Bomb, free love Hippies, the wildest of the wild kids. They really cook on the up-tempo tracks, sounding like a cross between The Blues Project and Dylan's early electric period band circa 1966, augmented by a violin player. On the hard rockers, founding member HOWARD BERKMAN, formerly of morose garage punksters the KNAVES, spits out sharp-tongued protest without becoming precious, while the band simmers and sizzles in sympathy. There are melodic folky ballads too, culminating in the gorgeous ‘Hello Big City.’ The band's ability to mix these elements into a coherent statement—recorded in surprising fidelity—solidify this an overlooked gem of the period. An underground counterculture classic, if ever there was one. Includes a 16-page booklet. Limited edition pressing of 150 copies on transparent red vinyl.