n 1969, Texas acid-psych warlords the Bubble Puppy burst onto the U.S. Top 20 with “Hot Smoke and Sasafrass,” the slashing, frenzied 2:33 freakout that kicks off the band’s brain-bending debut, A Gathering of Promises. Signed to Houston’s legendary International Artists imprint, the foursome were label mates of such hallowed acts as the 13th Floor Elevators and the Red Krayola. But A Gathering of Promises, the group’s sole International Artists album, stands out from the rest of the roster with its rich vocal harmonies and heavier, Cream/Hendrix/Who sound.
Descended from Corpus Christi garage kings the Bad Seeds, the Bubble Puppy’s trippedout calling card was its combination of soaring, fuzz-drenched guitars, frantic drumming, stop-on-a-dime arrangements, and tight, graceful harmonies. The Bubble Puppy may have been a one-hit wonder (and what a hit!) but after a trip through the manic “Lonely,” the cryptically twisting “I’ve Got to Reach You,” and the majestic, guitar-searing “Hurry Sundown,” any psych fan will be left scratching their head and wondering why—if they still have a head to scratch, that is.
Track Listing: Hot Smoke and Sasafrass / Todd’s Tune / I’ve Got to Reach You / Lonely / A Gathering of Promises / Hurry Sundown / Elizabeth / It's Safe to Say / Road to St. Stephens /Beginning
