Donovan's Brain
Insect Accessories
Donovan's Brain MK VII returned to the studio after completing the 2024 release Fire Printing, a transitional release which followed the loss of three key band members. Donovan's Brain toiled over a steaming cauldron to create this complex psychedelic stew. Donovan's Brain is now a fully self-contained trio: Joe Adragna (Junior League, Minus 5). Scott Sutherland (Model Rockets) and founding member Ron Sanchez. Longtime Brain friend Scott McCaughey returned to the songwriting table, contributing lyrics to the song Sea Legs. Once again, the Brain have expanded their wide stylistic palette. The psychedelic tag allows the band to explore whatever sonic directions they choose. A musicologist might want to try to play spot the influence. The collaboration between the three distinct songwriters make this a difficult task. The California influences come from sunny Hawthorne, the Santa Cruz redwoods, San Francisco. and the Lancaster desert. The musical bus also visits, Muswell Hill, the East End, a Berkshire cottage, and Cambridge. These and other inspirations cross pollinate, the key to the sounds on Insect Accessories. Folk to prog, contemplative to heavy. Insect Accessories is a sprawling experience. A trip with many surprises. Donovan's Brain has always been about exploration. The new band thrives on the challenge. They have crafted what is possibly the most varied release in the band's thirty-year recording career. It was decided to release all twenty-five songs now, not knowing what the year 2026 might look like.