Thursday 26 December 2013

Leaf Hound - Live In Japan 2012





Leaf Hound is a Hard Rock/Psych Rock Band from London, UK

The members are:

Peter French
Luke Rayner
Ed Pearson
Jimmy Rowland

Leaf Hound are one of the legendary Hard Rock/Psych Rock bands from the UK. They released one legendary album - Growers Of Mushroom in 1971 and then they quickly disbanded. Growers Of Mushroom is now considered a classic album from the 70s UK Hard Rock Scene.

It influenced a whole generation of bands and is considered one of the very first Stoner Rock classic albums. Vocalist Peter French decided to reform the band with an entirely new line-up in 2004 and they released a critically acclaimed album - Unleashed - in 2007. Leaf Hound also made a high profile appearance at Holland’s Roadburn Festival, supplemented by numerous club gigs with acts such as Nazareth, Mountain, Orange Goblin and Witchcraft.

So this is more than a comeback. This is a re-birth of true Stoner Rock Legends. I will admit that I am a huge fan of this band. I listened to Growers Of Mushroom in the late 90s on a CD that I picked up at a Record Fair. I loved Leaf Hound's sound of Blues, Hard Rock and Stoner Rock vibes. Even in 1971 this album was criminally ignored and you can tell now why it's called a classic.

Roll on 2012 and the band were invited to make their first ever appearance in Tokyo, Japan. These shows were recorded and filmed for a limited release in Japan as a live album and DVD package by Captain Trip records in 2013. Leaf Hound have now teamed up with American label Ripple Music, who will be releasing the Leaf Hound ‘Live In Japan’ Vinyl album and DVD/CD set worldwide (Excluding Japan) in January 2014.

Now thanks to our good friends at Ripple Music they sent me a copy to review a few weeks ago. And what a fucking live record this is. It shows Leaf Hound at their majestic best in front of an appreciative audience.

Playing classic tracks from both of their albums such as Barricades, Work My Body, Stop Listen and Look, With A Minute To Go and Evil. It shows that Peter has lost none of his power or magic. He commands the stage brilliantly from start to finish. A true legend and rock and roll showman.

Though I shouldn't forget the rest of the Leaf Hound brotherhood as the other members also play their part making sure that this legendary band play an awesome set to their Japanese fans that they will never forget.

The Vinyl Release is only for 39 mins or so while the CD/DVD Package has the entire set. I have listened to both releases and they are both superb releases. The Ripple Music Limited Edition Vinyl is only limited to 100 pieces one which I have already ordered. So it may be worthwhile buying both editions if you want to see and hear the full sets.

Anyway - Leaf Hound - Live In Japan 2012 - is a brilliant live album that will not only appeal to Leaf Hound fans but also fans of brilliant Hard Rock/Stoner Rock music.

This is an essential release from this legendary band.

Brilliant.

Thanks to Mona from Platinum PR and Ripple Music for sending me a copy to review. Leaf Hound Live at Japan 2012 is available to buy from links below. CD/DVD Details will follow soon.

Vinyl Record - Ripple Music Store

Check The Band From Links Below

Official
Facebook