Strawberry Alarm Clock is back with a brand-new single, “Monsters,” out soon via Big Stir Records. The psychedelic rock legends behind the 1967 hit ‘Incense and Peppermints’ are opening a fresh chapter in their story.

The song is a slice of classic psych, “dripping with dramatic tension,” and perfectly timed for the Halloween season, though its eerie edge will stick around long after.

‘Monsters’ comes paired with ‘White Light’ as a virtual B-side, and both tracks will appear on vinyl and CD a week later as part of Big Stir’s Halloween compilation, ‘Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies’. The release also marks a milestone; it’s the first time Strawberry Alarm Clock has had brand-new music on vinyl since their original run.

The current lineup includes several musicians from their classic 1967 debut album: Mark Stephen Weitz on keyboards, Randy Seol on drums, George Bunnell on bass, Gene Gunnels on drums/percussion, and Steve Bartek on guitar and flute. Bartek is also recognised for his work with Oingo Boingo between his times with Strawberry Alarm Clock. Completing the lineup is guitarist Howie Anderson, who has been a full member since a 1987 reunion.

The band intends to remain completely original and experimental. Their focus is on breaking new ground, having already revisited their classics on their 2012 reunion album ‘Wake Where You Are’.

Bassist George Bunnell takes the mic on ‘Monsters,’ a haunting tune that’s still got that unmistakable Strawberry Alarm Clock harmony magic. The lyrics, penned by longtime collaborator David Glück (who’s been with the band since ’69), unpack how fear and anxiety stick with us, starting as childhood fears and growing into emotions we turn outward.

The B-side, ‘White Light,’ sung by Randy Seol, dives into prog-rock territory with a more experimental sound. The band’s currently wrapping up a brand-new album due next year, and ‘Monsters’ has already been road-tested — including a sold-out show at the Whisky in LA back in January.