Search - Leaf Hound :: Growers of Mushroom

Great rarity from the land of the obscure

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 08/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leaf Hound was formed from the ashes of Black Cat Bones who added Keith Young on drums and continued on under a new name in 1971. Other members included vocalist Peter French, guitarist Mick Halls, and the Brooks brothers Derek and Stu on guitar and bass respectively. The band's only album contained an acid guitar based psychedelic sludgefest of blues based rock. The band sounded like a raw combination of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Tracks which stand out include "Freelance Fiend", "Stray" and "Sawdust Caeser". However, the entire cd is good. French's vocals fit the mood of the set perfectly. The set has some solid acid guitar playing but nothing really fancy. This reissue also includes two bonus tracks, a non-lp single b-side and a previously unissued track. It is worth noting that vocalist Peter French was later a member of progressive rockers Atomic Rooster, the power boogie band Cactus and the German band Randy Pie. He also unsuccessfully auditioned for Deep Purple after Ian Gillan left the band but David Coverdale was hired instead. This is a highly recommended reissue of powerhouse psychedelic blues based British rock. The original lp is exremely rare so buy this reissue before it goes out of print again."

Ugh, the DISRESPECT That's Been Meted Out On This Poor Thing

M. Perry | Rowche Rumble... That's Rumble, Missouri United St | 01/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As anyone can tell from the five stars, I love the Leaf Hound record dearly; it's one of theeee very best Brit blues-based rock 'n roll records there ever was (right in there with The Groundhogs, probably). That said, I don't know how anyone can reasonably be so disrespectful as to compare ANY 30-something-year-old record to... The Black Crowes (who everybody knows owe everything to Goats Head-era Stones anyway; but I digress...). Chronology backwards. And although there's clearly the blues thing very strongly here, it's far more Anglo-fied than any old Led Zep. And lo, I was saying to my friend just earlier tonight that I absolutely HATE Led Zeppelin and always have done- not only because of unpleasant jocky associations but because of their flagrant "borrowing" of many a blues song. Not so Leaf Hound, who it says here (in the liner notes natch) got their name- and all of the song titles- from a collection of short horror stories by someone named Herbert Van Thal. At any rate, definitely a classic record with a unique kind of occulty vibe all its own (and a helluva little title track too, by the way). A bargain at twice the price too, as the vinyl is supposedly worth something like $2000 (yes, with THREE zeroes). If you're into the early '70s Brit blooze, give this obscure little band a try. So obscure, in fact, that apparently no pictures of Leaf Hound even exist. Hmmm, now that's odd..."

Psychedelic/Stoned Out Classic

visuals | Philadelphia PA | 10/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a 40 yr. old African American who listens to everything from classical to neo-soul, Let me say that this rare stoner is one of the better obscure releases that I have ever had the pleasure to absorb. Tripped out rhythm and lyricism, psychedelic arrangements and soul-searing guitar licks make this one a great find for those searching for hard hippie/stoner styled rock.



Upon listening for the first time, I was blown away by the bands ability. I don't like to make comparisons, But this group reminds me a lot of Led Zepplin (vocals) and Black Sabbath (arrangements and guitar leads). This is very evident on the tracks "Stray" & "Stagnant Pool". Instantly, I was reminded of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid"...Much in the same vein as "Fairies Wear Boots" & "War Pigs".



Very good piece for its time...Get it, Get stoned and Get educated."