Liverpool’s Truth-Seeking Psych Figurehead Michael Robert Murphy Released New Lo-Fi Single, Corkscrew

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Liverpool psych-folk visionary Michael Robert Murphy has released “Corkscrew,” a delicate, string-laden lo-fi meditation on loss, resilience and human connection, taken from the deluxe reissue of his acclaimed 2025 album Chaos Magick.

Liverpool musician Michael Robert Murphy, often regarded as the city’s pre-eminent psych priest, has released “Corkscrew,” a delicate, string-embellished folk track that serves as a lo-fi diary entry exploring themes of loss, human connection, and resilience.

The single is drawn from the deluxe reissue of his acclaimed 2025 album Chaos Magick. It arrives as a previously unreleased gem from those recording sessions, now joined by additional tracks—including one featured in his successful 2025 Radio X session—to expand the original release into a fuller edition.

From Band Legacy to Solo Awakening

Murphy first gained recognition as the frontman of the influential Liverpool band The Wicked Whispers, which cultivated a dedicated cult following before their amicable disbandment in 2018. Since then, he has channeled his poetic sensibility and personal purpose into a series of successful solo albums, building a distinctive voice that blends psychedelic elements with introspective songwriting.

His 2025 album Chaos Magick marked a notable evolution. Murphy stripped back his sound, embracing lo-fi analogue recording techniques alongside more progressive modern approaches. The project was captured amid the natural landscapes and unpredictable weather of the Wirral peninsula, with production support from Liam Power (known for his work with By The Sea). Murphy handled the core arrangements himself, later enriching them with guest contributions from Echo & The Bunnymen’s Will Sergeant and The Coral members Ian Skelly and Paul Molloy.

A Song That Refuses to Be Left Behind

“Corkscrew” was nearly omitted from the original Chaos Magick tracklist to preserve its overall balance and pacing. However, the enriched version now feels like an essential companion piece to the album. The track functions as a gentle meditation on resilience, offering a message of solidarity to anyone navigating difficult times. Its lo-fi warmth and folk sensibilities create an intimate atmosphere, as if extending a sympathetic ear through music when words alone fall short.

A accompanying video, directed by Dan Hewitson (who has worked with artists including Brooke Combe and Jamie Webster), visually complements the song’s narrative. It features evocative scenes from Liverpool landmarks such as the Anglican Cathedral, the historic Speke Hall (often associated locally as Sudeley House in some contexts), and an abandoned railway line that weaves through the city—settings that mirror the themes of passage, endurance, and hidden beauty in decay.

The Deluxe Edition and Murphy’s Enduring Voice

The deluxe edition of Chaos Magick adds depth to an already celebrated body of work, reinforcing Murphy’s reputation as a truth-seeking figure in Liverpool’s psychedelic and folk-adjacent scenes. His solo output continues to reflect a personal journey through life’s complexities, where no experience remains isolated and circumstances continually shape connection and survival.

With “Corkscrew,” Murphy once again demonstrates his ability to transform raw emotional territory into something quietly powerful and universally resonant. The single stands as both a reflective postscript to Chaos Magick and a standalone invitation to listeners facing their own challenges: the music remains present, ready to accompany those who need it.

Find more from Michael Robert Murphy now:

https://www.instagram.com/michael_robert_murphy
https://x.com/MRobertMurphy
https://www.facebook.com/MRMurphyMusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelrobertmurphy