Count Five was an American garage rock band formed in San Jose, California in 1964,[2][3][4] best known for their hit single "Psychotic Reaction".

The two were friends at Pioneer High School, who had previously played in several short-lived bands, most notably a surf rock group named The Citations.

[6] "Psychotic Reaction", an acknowledged cornerstone of garage rock,[7] was initially devised by Byrne, with the group refining it and turning it into the highlight of their live sets.

[12] The band was immortalized in a 1971 essay by rock journalist Lester Bangs, entitled "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung."

In the essay, Bangs credited the band for having released several albums after Psychotic Reaction: Carburetor Dung, Cartesian Jetstream, Ancient Lace and Wrought-Iron Railings, and Snowflakes Falling On the International Dateline—each displaying an increasing sense of artistry and refinement.