PsychepediA

From: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Not much is known about the groovily named Mystic Astrologic Crystal Band (or the MAC Band for short), a rather obscure L.A. psychedelic pop ensemble that was formed in 1967 by multi-instrumentalist Steve Hoffman (keyboards, guitar, bass, marimba, autoharp, piano, vocals) who wrote all of their songs. Other members included Ron Roman (lead vocals, percussion), John Moreland (lead guitar, sitar), John Leighton (bass, guitar, vocals) and Bob Phillips (drums, percussion, vocals).

Their self-titled debut LP was issued in late '67 on the Carole label and includes the standout track 'Geometry Alley'. Their second and final album (Clip-Out, Put-On Book!) was also released on Carole in the spring of 1968 and contains a large number of fantastic, underappreciated tracks. Both records were produced by Clancy B. Grass III who had discovered the group playing in a West Covina, CA teen club. Unfortunately neither sold that well however, which prompted a breakup later that year. Hoffman and Roman went on to form the Proposition shortly thereafter.

If you have any further information on this group, please e-mail to paulmaze@techwebsound.com.

Artist information sources include: The book, 'Fuzz, Acid, and Flowers Revisited' by Vernon Joynson.