Neue Leaf Hound 7" auf Rise Above MARCH 20TH 2006

Infos:

Leaf Hound was a product of the South-West London rock scene of the late sixties, which spawned the likes of Free and other blues-rock acts who would go on to make a wider impact. Vocalist Peter French and guitarist Mick Halls were the mainstays of and together that penned the hugely influential album Growers of Mushroom released, in the UK, via Decca in 1971. Few rock albums have achieved greater cult status than this. Accompanied by the aura and mystique which surrounds buried treasure, the album has gradually acquired a mythical status, reflecting the hallucinogenic imagery of its cover, and befitting the explosive fusion of soulful blues and hard rock fury contained within its grooves.

Peter French¹s reputation as a potent lead vocalist led him to stints as front man for Atomic Rooster (appearing on the hit album ŒIn Hearing Of¹), and Tim Bogert & Carmine Appice¹s US band Cactus (appearing on the album ŒOt¹n¹Sweaty). Later in the seventies he served as front man for popular German act Randy Pie, before recording his acclaimed solo album ŒDucks in Flight¹ which featured the likes of Brian Robertson, Micky Moody and Kenny Jones.

In early 2004, aware of the growing cult status the music of Leaf Hound had achieved, French was persuaded to get a new version of the band together. Following a chance meeting with drummer and self-confessed Leaf Hound fanatic Jimmy Rowland, a new band was assembled featuring Luke Rayner (guitar) and Ed Pearson (bass). In Rayner, French feels the band has a guitarist with the skill, feel and vitality needed to feel the void left by original guitarist Mick Halls, who now works as a successful session guitarist in California. Songwriting is already underway for material to be used on an all-new Leaf Hound album, and the results so far are extremely exciting. One of these tracks - 'Too Many Rock & Roll Times' is included on this 7" along with a new version of the 'Hound classic 'Freelance Fend' (Rise Above fans who are unaware of Leaf Hound may well recognize this from the Orange Goblin cover which surfaced on a split 7" a few years back).

In the meantime, the band are preparing for an assault on the live stage where many of the now infamous songs from ŒGrowers of Mushroom¹ will be performed by French and band for the first time in over 30 years. A couple of tasters of the new material will also be given an airing for the first time.

SELLING POINTS

* Limited edition 7".
* Features the vocals of Peter French, for vocalist with Atomic Rooster, Cactus and Randy Pie.

TRACKLIST

SIDE A: Freelance Fiend
SIDE B: Too Many Rock ‘N’ Roll Times
**Both tracks we recorded live on September 21st 2005 : The Borderline in London, England.