Evolution was one of the first original hard rock/psych albums released by a homegrown Australian band. Prior to Tamam Shud, this group of musicians had been known as the Sunsets, a rock n roll combo that specialized in beat/R&B styled material. As trends progressed, the Sunsets changed their name to Tamam Shud. Evolution was their first album, released by CBS in 1969. The LP was financed by Paul Witzig, who would use four of the tracks as background music to his surf film Evolution. Leader, guitarist and primary songwriter Lindsay Bjerre wrote all the tracks on this LP.

The sound quality is very rough due to most of the movie’s budget being spent on transporting (and filming) the surfers to exotic overseas locations. The tracks laid down were little more than demos, recorded live in studio; all songs were first takes. That being said, Tamam Shud’s material and performances still hold up very well in today’s age. The opening Music Train is a Beatles-like pop number that segued into the paranoia of Evolution. This outstanding track features lots of explosive feedback and psychedelic guitar work courtesy of Zac Zytnik. Lady Sunshine was the group at their most pop oriented, a funky folkish number that is perhaps Tamam Shud’s most popular track. Other gems are I’m No One, a track that effectively balances power and grace. Both Mr. Strange and It’s a Beautiful Day feature plenty of dynamic acid guitar work. The latter track opens with jazzy chords but is pretty much a psychedelic blues number with a melodic bridge.

Tamam Shud was one of Australia’s finest psychedelic/progressive groups ever. Any of their prime era recordings are considered essential listening for psych fans. While Goolutionites and the Real People is Tamam Shud’s true masterpiece and one of the great psych prog LPs of all time, Evolution has its moments of brilliance that make it a must have.

Music Train/Evolution

It’s A Beautiful Day

LP Reissue | buy from Tamam Shud ]