LSD by Cardiacs

When I tell people in my life that I’m a semi-pro music reviewer on the internet, I oftentimes get a one-sentence question that demands a one-sentence answer: what is the greatest album of all time? Sing to God by the Cardiacs typically serves as my answer, and their new record LSD delivers on decades of sky-high expectations. Continuing this British prog legend’s tradition of psychedelic, maximalist rock with a punk energy, LSD takes a baby step back in raw intensity while dialing up the theatrics. Never has a band so thoroughly photocopied such a wild, vibrant imagination onto tape, realizing every twist and turn of late band leader Tim Smith’s mental symphonies. Nothing here feels flashy for the sake of showing off, rather, the absurdity of the compositions combined with a signature lyrical style that combines religiosity, sexuality, violence, and a sheer lust for life blend perfectly to create a heartwarming ode to awe. Wherever you turn to sing these songs, you’ll find something calling back out to you, confirming that yes, this life really does contain such brilliant beauty.