Pitchfork

We're hard-pressed for words to describe 1970s group Ya Ho Wa 13 beyond their traditionally vague "psychedelic" tag, so here's some math:

the Polyphonic Spree's numbers, cultishness, penchant for robes
X
the Hare Krishnas' meditative spirituality, penchant for robes
÷
general hippiedom
+
more robes
≈
Ya Ho Wa 13 and the Source Family cult/commune around it

Theirs is a confusing history, to say the least, and one that's better documented by others who are more knowledgeable.

But here's what we can tell you: Cold Sweat Records will reissue the band's Penetration: An Aquarian Symphony on February 5.

Better yet, surviving members of the band-- whose leader, Father Yod, died in a hang-gliding accident in 1975-- will play their first public shows in 30 years this month in conjunction with the publishing of Process Media's The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and the Source Family by Isis Aquarian. The performances and accompanying slide shows, home movies, book signings, and more only take place in California, but really, what did you expect from these guys?

Penetration: An Aquarian Symphony:

01 Yod He Vau He
02 Ho
03 Journey Thru an Elemental Kingdom
04 Ya Ho Wha

Slide shows, movies, shows, and signings:

11-15 The Earth - Anywhere (Meditation at 5:00 a.m. "with all who are sincerely moved to sing the Sacred Name of God")
11-15 Los Angeles, CA - The Silent Movie Theater (includes live performance)
11-16 Los Angeles, CA - The Echoplex (includes live performance)
11-17 San Francisco, CA - Other Cinema
11-18 San Francisco, CA - Aquarius Records
11-18 San Francisco, CA - Café du Nord (includes live performance)