Wildwood "Plastic People" 1966-71 US Hard Garage Psych Rock.

If you’ve heard Wildwood before, it’s probably their song “Plastic People,” a menacing slice of outsider hard rock that sonically falls somewhere between early Steppenwolf and the Music Machine. Released in early 1969, “Plastic People” was one of just two singles released by this Stockton, California-based outfit, whose full story appears this issue. However, in tracking down the band, Frantic Records also unearthed a cache of previously unreleased tapes, enough to compile and release this impressive two-disc set. While nothing else here quite equals the spectacular potency of “Plastic People,” there’s plenty more solid material in the same vein. Standout cuts include “Mothers,” “Swimming” and “Steel Cathedrals,” all characterized by hoarse, muscular vocals, churning Hammond B3 and heavy fuzz guitar. Vox organ replaces the Hammond on an earlier demo version of “Free Ride” for a leaner, more garagey feel that marks the transition from their earlier work as the Mal-T’s. Both sides of that group’s fine 1967 single, “Here to Stay” and “Stand Up Today,” are also included.

William Chalker was a somewhat mysterious figure who wrote lyrics for several Wildwood songs. Chalker’s stark demos for some of those tracks are included here, along with four numbers with him singing lead, backed by an unknown band. The screaming “Death is a Horseman” is one of the most powerful songs of the entire set, a raging Hammond-stoked rocker that gathers an almost frightening momentum over its almost seven-minute duration. As with all Frantic releases, Plastic People comes with a thick CD booklet featuring lots of photos and excellent liner notes by Alec Palao..

Wildwood
- Mark Ross - Keyboards
- Tim Mora - Drums
- John Turner - Guitar
- Frank Colli - Bass, Vocals
-William Chalker - Vocals, Guitar