Ty Segall : Possession

Nobody can accuse Ty Segall of being a slacker. The guy has not taken a break since his 2008 self-titled debut. Just solo albums alone he’s nearly released a record a year, sometimes two in a year. That’s not counting side projects(Fuzz, Wasted Shirt), the occasional film score(Whirlybird), and guest appearances on friends albums. And while Segall stays in a pretty specific lane(garage/psych rock) he does mix things up from time to time. Fuzz is more proggy with Sabbath overtones, and he’s released a couple of acoustic-heavy psych folk albums. Plus the psych/pop records he’s done with White Fence, and there’s even a covers album thrown in for good measure(Fudge Sandwich).

Starting with First Taste from 2019 Segall has taken his sound into weirder, more off-kilter territory. Harmonizer had a lot of analog synthesizer on it, and Hello, Hi and Three Bells were quieter, while also being slightly disquieting. Intimate acoustic songs in the vein of Syd Barrett. But with his new album Possession Segall seems to be going back to more of an all-encompassing sound. Hitting more of a Freedom’s Goblin vibe; 70s rock ala Three Dog Night, Zeppelin, and Grand Funk Railroad. Big, catchy songs that would be just as accessible in a stadium as they are in a garage.

“Shoplifter” opens things on a groovy, pop-inflected sound. It almost reaches power pop heights, bringing to mind bands like Jellyfish, Imperial Flag, and the strings give it all a very Beatles vibe. Segall fills every nook and cranny with sound; from the strings to brass to stacked vocal harmonies. Single “Possession” is built on a great drum and bass groove, giving the fuzzy guitar riff room to breathe. Another track benefiting from a great horn section. The production doesn’t shove it in your face, though. They seem to blend perfectly into the background. And the one-two-three opening punch is filled out with the sleek and slinky “Buildings”, with a killer electric piano line.

Segall keeps things in a 70s AOR rock flow here. From the dirty guitar rocker “Skirts of Heaven” to the low key rocker “Fantastic Tomb” and the Three Dog Night meets Led Zeppelin “Hotel”, the album flows. And album closer “Another California Song” closes things on a Fender Rhodes-led jam that leaves you pretty satisfied by the end.

Ty Segall’s Possession has the California multi-instrumentalist in catchy rock and roll mode. Fans of more mainstream rock from the wild days of 70s rock radio will find much to love here. If you’re not a fan of that era, I’m sure Segall will have another album out by year’s end that will scratch your musical itch.