Mandrake Handshake is a British psychedelic rock band known for their swirling, kaleidoscopic sound and energetic live performances. Hailing from Bristol, the group achieved a notable chart breakthrough with their debut album, which entered the UK Albums Chart Top 40 and solidified their reputation as a leading force in the modern psych-rock revival.
Formed in 2016, the band's founding members met while studying music in Bristol's vibrant creative scene. They began crafting their dense, guitar-driven sound in local rehearsal spaces, drawing inspiration from 60s psychedelia and 90s shoegaze. Their self-released 2017 EP, 'The Spectral Park,' caught the attention of independent label Fuzz Club Records, leading to a signing and their first proper studio sessions.
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with their debut full-length album, 'Chromatography.' Released via Fuzz Club, the record was praised for its ambitious scope and intricate production. It debuted at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned several singles that received heavy rotation on BBC Radio 6 Music, introducing their sound to a national audience.
Violet Hour — This lead single from their debut album became an instant staple on alternative radio and defined their signature blend of driving rhythm and ethereal vocals.
Lizard Queen — A fan-favorite live track known for its extended, hypnotic guitar solos and pulsating bassline that showcases the band's improvisational prowess.
Sunken Palace — This track highlights their collaborative spirit, featuring guest vocals from fellow psych-rock artist Julie from Penelope Tree, adding a dream-pop layer to their sound.
Mysterium — The opening track from their 2022 sophomore album 'Terraform' that demonstrated a heavier, more progressive rock direction while maintaining their psychedelic roots.
Following their initial success, Mandrake Handshake toured extensively across Europe and released their well-received second album, 'Terraform,' in 2022. They have since collaborated with visual artists for immersive live shows and contributed a track to a Fuzz Club Records compilation curated by The Black Angels, further cementing their place within the international psych-rock community.
For fans of the band's immersive sound, similar artists from the UK scene include The Oscillation who explore darker, drone-influenced psychedelia. The Early Years share a similar foundation in krautrock rhythms and expansive soundscapes. The melodic sensibilities of Ulrika Spacek also resonate with Mandrake Handshake's approach to textured guitar music.
The music of Mandrake Handshake is a regular feature on the playlists of psychedelic and alternative rock radio stations. Their tracks are frequently broadcast on dedicated online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based innovation, ensuring their swirling anthems reach a global audience of dedicated listeners.
Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Mandrake Handshake by tuning into the psychedelic rock radio stations featured on our website. Their essential tracks are in regular rotation on the curated stations available on onairium.com, offering the perfect gateway into their hypnotic sonic world.
