Morgen “Morgen”

Morgen was a hard rock/psych band that hailed from Long Island, NY.  They were fronted by guitarist/vocalist/wild man Steve Morgen but also included drummer Bob Maiman and guitarists Barry Stock and Rennie Genossa.  In 1969, record label Probe (ABC) released the group’s sole offering.

The album’s best known track is the classic “Welcome To The Void.”  40+ years later this cut’s over the top acid guitar work and pounding drums still shred the best of speakers.  Certainly a unique mixture of acid garage and hard rock, “Welcome To The Void” is essential listening.  There are other great cuts to be found on Morgen, like the stealth rocker “Purple” and the freaky fuzz corker “Of Dreams.”  “Eternity In Between,” probably influenced by the Who, is another excellent track that begins with ringing guitars and crashing drums.  This 5 minute song is nearly ruined by a two and a half minute drum solo.

Steve Morgen’s sexually charged lyrics and over the top vocals will irritate some listeners but that’s really a minor complaint as most of Morgen is full of great fuzz guitar solos and solid songs.  No beads or flowers for these guys, Morgen is straight up brooding hard rock psych.  A mini gem of a record that will reward patient listeners.

Over the years Morgen has been reissued by grey area bootleggers Eva and Radioactive.  Originals may set you back a few hundred dollars.

“Welcome To The Void”

:) Original Vinyl |1969 | Probe | search ebay ]


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3 Comments.

  • Len Liechti

    The cover art is “The Scream” by Eduard Munch. A bit of artistic pretension, perhaps. Or are the lads having a jolly jape here – is the lady supposedly covering her ears against their sonic assault?

  • good review. I first heard the song ‘Love’ on YouTube. Puttng together a collection of the truly psych is challenge listening for long guitar notes fuzzed with strong supporting bass stand out drums and vocal that uses that stlye, this plays well with Dark – Hell Preachers – Ungly Mustard and up to today’s The Cosmic Nod or Heavy Relic. This is no hippie dippy flower dive this is true hit em with Psych!

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