Spotlight Release Review | Keith Woodhouse’s “PSYCHIATRIC”: A Raw Anthem of Resilience and Mental Health
England, Totnes
Keith Woodhouse’s “Psycheatrick” is a raw, unflinching exploration of mental health struggles, delivered through a gritty rock anthem that refuses to sanitise the experience. Released as part of his album The Planet Who, the track stands as a awesome and unique addition to the music world and a small insight into what Woodhouse can do!
Hailing from Totnes, Devon, Woodhouse has spent decades navigating the complexities of mental health, including time in psychiatric hospitals. Now 63 and residing in a care home, he has channelled his experiences into his music, collaborating with the care home’s manager to produce “Psycheatrick” with a DIY ethos that prioritises authenticity over polish and personality over stiff industry standards.
Musically, the track is anchored by a locked-in relaxing drums, and dreamy, almost hypnotising repetitive guitar progressions, evoking the swagger of 70s rock. Woodhouse’s spoken-word vocals take centre stage, delivering lines like “everyone is on the make, everyone is on the take” with emotional intensity and a wry sense of humour. The production is raw and unrefined, allowing the emotion and message to shine through without the gloss of overproduction often delivered removing the authenticity of creativity.
Lyrically, “Psycheatrick” confronts institutionalisation and societal stigma head-on, offering a narrative that balances darkness with hope. It serves as both a personal catharsis for Woodhouse and a rallying cry for others who have faced similar struggles.
Sometimes all we need is experience to know how to deliver a message to the masses and be understood and in a time when mental health discussions are becoming more mainstream, Woodhouse’s “Psycheatrick” introduces an authentic, interesting and whole new voice into the conversation, but more than that a fresh predominantly unadopted attention grabbing delivery method. It’s a track that doesn’t shy away instead pushing into the spotlight making it a powerful addition to the discourse on mental health in music.
