As a fan of horror pulp fiction and aficionado of 60s pop culture, I was immediately drawn to "Backmask" by O.F. Cieri. This novel promises a thrilling journey into the world of occult conspiracy theories and the dark underbelly of the music industry, and let me tell you, it delivers in spades.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s music scene in New York City, "Backmask" follows Nicholas Hush, a visionary record producer with a bold plan to revolutionize pop music. Inspired by prophetic dreams and fueled by ambition, Hush enlists the help of his secretary, Valerie Chill, to bring his audacious vision to life. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, manipulation, and occult madness as Hush's project becomes entangled in a web of government agencies, spiritual groups, and dark forces beyond comprehension.

Cieri's writing style perfectly captures the essence of 60s horror pulp, transporting readers to a world where paranoia and conspiracy lurk around every corner. The characters, particularly Hush and Valerie, are richly drawn and deeply flawed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Their struggles with identity and societal expectations, particularly regarding their sexuality, lend an air of authenticity to the story and highlight the chilling realities of the time period.

At its core, "Backmask" is a speculative exploration of how hidden messages found their way into pop music during the 60s. Through Hush's experiments with electronic sounds and occult imagery, Cieri crafts a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The inclusion of real-life figures such as Joe Meek, Phil Spector, and Timothy Leary adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, blurring the lines between fact and fiction in a tantalizing manner.

What truly sets "Backmask" apart is its clever blend of horror, history, and queer representation. The novel doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its characters' lives, nor does it hesitate to delve into the sinister machinations of the occult and government agencies. Yet, amidst the chaos and madness, there are moments of genuine humanity and connection that resonate long after the final page is turned.

In conclusion, "Backmask" is a devilishly delightful read that will appeal to fans of horror, history, and music alike. With its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and ingenious plot twists, it's a book that demands to be read and savored. So if you're ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole of 60s horror pulp, look no further than "Backmask." You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley for approving this for me to read -- it archived so fast I had to wait until I got hold of another copy to finish reading it. And I really wanted to read it because of the unique plot, which was even wilder than I thought.
However, wild plot or not, my favorite part of the book was Chill and how she reacted to things. Tough, smart, resilient, and perceptive, Chill knows who she is but is still involved with shady people in shady situations. Like her boss Hush, who is quite abusive but who Chill seems to have a handle on in the beginning, until he becomes unstable because of, probably, drugs.
This book is about drugs and music, and even with the third person perspective, I felt disoriented a lot of the time as I tried to figure out what was really happening. I love unreliable narrators, and this atmosphere made the book a lot of fun to read.
This book also felt nostalgic, and I kept thinking of the culture from the 80s. Definitely an unusual story.

Thank you Netgalley and Malarky books for this ARC of BackMask by O F Cieri

I wanted to read this as the blurb sounded interesting and out of my comfort zone of my normal reads. I found BackMask a really enjoyable read regarding the Pop culture and music mixed in with the darker elements of psychology and the mind bending effects of LSD. It made for an entertaining read that creeped me out in some parts.

3.5 stars

Didn't get to read this before it archived so I can't give it a full review, but looking forward to reading at some point!

3.5 stars

This was unique and really fun take on a conspiracy theory we’ve all heard of. I loved the characters and the way this whole story played out. The writing was well done, and made for an enjoyable reading experience.

A backtrack delve into the influence and inspiration of pop music set in the 1960s and wired into satanic inspo by a nutty music producer and his trusty sidekick. Totally loopy and funny, a wild ride.

A mesmerizing blend of horror and literary fiction that draws inspiration from pop music history and 60s horror pulp. The novel delves into the intriguing conspiracy theory of a Satanic agenda aimed at controlling children's minds through occult imagery in pop music. At its core, the story revolves around Nicholas Hush, a 1960s record producer with a visionary approach to pop music.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to a captivating world of prophetic dreams, occult intrigue, and teenage pop acts unwittingly caught in a web of international conspiracies. Cieri masterfully weaves together elements from the lives of iconic figures like Joe Meek, Phil Spector, and Timothy Leary to create a speculative and thought-provoking exploration of how hidden messages found their way into pop music. Backmask is a great read for those who appreciate the fusion of history, horror, and literary finesse, offering a unique and engaging storytelling experience.

Hold onto your vinyl records, folks, because Backmask by O.F. Cieri is a wild ride through the trippy world of 60s pop music and Satanic conspiracies that's gonna make your head spin faster than a record player on turbo mode! If you're into music, mystery, and a bit of occult funk, this book is your backstage pass to a mind-bending show you won't want to miss.

Meet Nicholas Hush, the record producer with a vision crazier than a six-foot rabbit. He's all about merging occult vibes with the latest music trends, and it's a recipe for a rock 'n' roll rollercoaster. His trusty secretary, Valerie Chill, gets thrown into the mix, and before you know it, you've got teen pop sensations tangled up in international intrigue and some seriously spooky brainwashing shenanigans. Inspired by real legends like Joe Meek and Timothy Leary, Backmask is a far-out, genre-blending masterpiece that'll have you grooving to its beat while questioning everything you thought you knew about pop music history. Get ready to take a walk on the wild side! 🎵🕺🔮

Not really what I had expected and kind of upset about that. Thought I was getting into pseudo non fiction and got a novel instead. I don't know if that was the intention but I remember it being advertised that way. But just ended up being disappointed.