Human Beast - Volume One

1970 England

August 26, 2007

I just recently heard this British gem for the first time a couple of months ago. For years I was curious about it, as at least one well known Japanese collector used the album cover as his emblem. And, I figured, if the music is anything like the cover, it will have to be exciting. I was sidetracked somewhere along the way, as I’d heard it was a typical UK blues rock album. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s certainly not the case – and it is, in fact, more reflective of the cover in terms of creativity. On the surface, it would seem to be typical of the era, given the guitar bass drums trio format. But these guys aren’t Cream plagiarists, nor did they go the Led Zeppelin, Ashkan, Elias Hulk psychedelic power variation of the blues. No, we’re moving towards the freaky, to the astral zone of Clear Blue Sky, but even beyond. The lyrical concept and overall acid feel gives the feeling that Vangelis may have stumbled onto the album before launching into “666” for his Aphrodite’s Child group. And yes, I’m sure Human Beast digested plenty of “Saucerful of Secrets” and “Ummagumma” before heading into the studio. One of the most creative of the UK power trios, no doubt. And, since cover art plays a role here, you know I was very much pleased to find a Japanese mini-LP exists. This is the type of album those things were invented for. Pity it’s only a single sleeve – but, wow, center stage in the art case it goes.

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