Sydney Psych Fest is back in 2017 for its third installment, and they’ve pulled together a fascinating and varied lineup for their first round of acts, including two Chinese fuzz-psych bands, and the return of one of Sydney’s favourite acts.

Carsick Cars and White+ are the aforementioned Chinese bands making the trip out for this festival. Carsick Cars have two acclaimed albums under their belts, the first of which was released in Australia through popular DIY label tenzenmen in 2007, and have supported Sonic Youth. White+ is an experimental keyboard-and-drum duo from China, who also released music through tenzenmen.

Joining them are Melbourne shoegaze band Flyying Colours, whose self-titled 2013 EP is one of the best records in their genre, Australian or otherwise, the dark and dreamy Mere Women, and Belles Will Ring, who are one of the finest bands to have spawned in Sydney, but have been notably quiet of late.

Finally two Melbourne psych bands – Buried Feather, whose debut album drops in February, and the excellently-named Black Heart Death Cult – round out the lineup… so far.

Sydney Psych Fest III happens at the Factory Theatre on February 25. Tickets available from the venue.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine