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· Conor Welsch
Credit: P(doom) records
Pipe-eye, the experimental solo project of Cook Craig (better known for his role in King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and The Murlocs), has always operated in a weird and wonderful sonic world. But with Pipe-defy, Craig pushes his signature blend of psych-pop oddities and warped storytelling to new levels, creating an album that feels both playful and deeply immersive.
From the opening notes of Catch Me On A Break, it’s clear that Craig isn’t interested in taking a linear route. Warbling synths and fuzzy guitars collide with his deadpan vocals, setting the tone for an album that shifts between surreal landscapes and offbeat grooves. Tracks like Snake On A Sand Dune and Lords Of Lithium take on a hypnotic, swirling quality, evoking a retro-futuristic vibe that’s equal parts absurd and mesmerizing.
Pipe-eye has always thrived on a mix of satire and sincerity, and Pipe-defy leans into that balance. Songs like Best Party Ever II and The Taste embrace a loose, jammy structure, layering Craig’s sharp, observational lyrics over playful instrumentals that feel like they were recorded in some hazy alternate reality. Meanwhile, Fortune Cookie and We're In This Together showcase his knack for unexpected chord progressions and melodies that hook into your brain long after the song ends.
What sets Pipe-defy apart from past Pipe-eye releases is its more polished production. While still retaining the lo-fi, VHS-warped charm of his earlier work, this record feels tighter, more intentional. There’s a cohesiveness that makes it feel like a singular trip rather than a collection of experiments, making it arguably his most refined release to date.
If you’re into the stranger corners of the psych-rock universe - think early Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Mac DeMarco’s more bizarre moments, or even the deep cuts of The Olivia Tremor Control - then Pipe-defy is a no-brainer. Cook Craig continues to carve out a space that’s uniquely his, and this album proves that Pipe-eye is far more than just a side project.
Buy the wax, spin it loud, and let yourself get lost in the trip.