Doomed Confessionary: Robert Layton III (Psychotic Reaction)
Psychotic Reaction is an high energy rock and roll/heavy psych band from Norman, OK. est. in early 2007. Taking the name from 60’s garage rockers, The Count Five’s single from listening to the song as teenagers, the group felt it best described their sound. The band has been heavily influenced by The Stooges, MC5, Radio Birdman, The Hellacopters, 13th Floor Elevators, The Yardbirds, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, Mudhoney, early country and blues music, H.P. Lovecraft, George Orwell and Lucid Dreams.
Psychotic Reaction has been a band over over 13 years, had almost 20 different members and have been continuously touring North America since 2016. Their mind melting brand of high energy psychedelic punk and intense live performances have become a staple in Oklahoma and their regional music scene.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Psychotic Reaction is a U.S. based heavy psych/grunge/punk/stoner rock/doom/sludge band started on December 31st, 2006. Have consistently toured North America since 2016. The band will be releasing the 7th LP this summer on 12 inch vinyl from Savage Magic Records. The two founding members, main song writers are Robert Layton III (lead guitar and vocals) and Nolan Dacus (lead guitar and vocals). Ryan Yeager joined on bass in 2022 and since 2023 Kain Gault on percussion.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
What it is every year, trying to find a label/booking agent to help us get to Europe. Last year was the first year since 2019 we went out for a 4-5 weeks. It has definitely been more challenging than was four years ago to book the tour find the venues and bands that are still around. The tour was great and we played a lot of new places with a lot of new bands, new fans and friends that we made along the way.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our 7th album »Dystopian Anthems For Lotus Eaters« that will be released this summer. (Can’t wait to say the same thing about the eighth record once it’s started and completed)
What was your biggest regret?
No Regrets, for we shall continue to endeavor to persevere.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Guthrie Green in Tulsa, OK opening for Freedom Hawk, Sasquatch, along side Rainbows are Free, Dust Lord, thanks to Horton Records. Playing in LA/Palmdale with The Freeks, also shows in Eureka California, OR, WA, Boise and Grand Junction, Colorado were great. Opening for Timmy’s Organism and Acid Mommy’s Temple in Oklahoma City was a highlight of the year.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How well receptive the music scene is in the rustbelt in the United States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio). Those people really love live music and appreciate, support touring bands.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The Cows, Cherubs, Timmys Organism, Nebula, Butthole Surfers, Can, Uncle Acid, Full Of Hell, Pig Destroyer, SS Decontrol, Void. The Hellacopters, Entombed, Anal Cunt, Killdozer, Dead Milkmen, Meth Perkins, Hasil Adkins, Hawkwind. Acid Mammoth, Slayer, Bill Monroe, Soledad Brothers, Clarence White, Mudhoney, TAD, Die Kreuzen, MC5, Mark Lanegan, Screaming Trees. Electric Wizard. early Flaming Lips, Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Black Flag, Burning Brides, television white noise and static. At the drive in’s relationship of command. The Fall Live at the Witch Trials. Roky Erickson, a dozen radios playing different things all at once. Rainbow Rising, Laney Staley do Dave Mustaine impressions. Megadeth Holy Wars, Buck Owens, the Meat Puppets, Pink Floyd live at Pompeii. Doc Watson., Three 6 mafia, The Sleevens, Billy Strings on pcp. The Immortal Lee County Killers, Nonagon Infinity opens the door.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Norman / Oklahoma?
It’s very esoteric. There’s a handful of bands that are active and around are pretty cool, everyone loves and supports each other, peace, love and community, like a big happy family. Check out the new Weedian compilation »Trip to Oklahoma«. It’s a good starter pack.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
SXSW (Austin, Texas)
March 16th – 7:30 P.M. @ Vinyl Beauty Bar
March 16th – 8:40 P.M. @ Patton Haus
March 17th – 6:15 P.M. @ Fat Out Lounge
March 23rd – @ NCOM, Norman, OK
April 19th – w/ Cherubs @ 89th street OKC
April 25-26 @ Norman Music Festival
June 17th – w/ Whippets @ Grand Royale
June 22nd – @ 89th street OKC
Sept 27th – Tulsa @ TBA
Sept 28th – @ Resonant Head OKC
All of October U.S. Tour dates TBA.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
April 20th we start recording on our 8th studio album. We have enough now material that we are still writing for at least four more full length vinyl releases, if not more. So between that, trying to tour as much as possible, we plan on more releases through our labels Savage Magic Records and Wet Records. We have three full-length vinyl releases coming within the next 12 months between the two labels. we are trying to find more labels to work with and a booking agent to help us get to Europe as soon as possible followed by more extensive touring of North America.
How can people best support your band?
Follow/subscribe on Instagram/FB/YouTube.
Watch and share our new music video for »Black Magick Sorceress«!
Check out our official linktree!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We love you, are very grateful for your support, we will never quit working for you and will never stop touring and making records. Our only goal is to work harder and make better records for you to enjoy. We’ve had fans write us to tell us how much our music means to them, that our music has gotten them through some hard times and I’m here to tell you that your support is still getting us through hard times. Thank you.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well