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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Space Farm - Space Farm (1972 new zealand, spectacular heavy guitar bluesy rock)



In February 1971, when the Underdogs, whom at that time consisted of Harvey Mann, Glen Absolum and Neil Edwards, released their "Wasting My Time" album, and it failed to sell in great numbers, Neil Edwards decided to leave the group and join Human Instinct. Harvey and Glen added a new bass guitarist, Billy Williams, and to beef up the sound, Bob Gillett was added on saxophone. Also required was a new name, so they became the Australasian Rock Squad.Bob Gillett had been playing with Breeze prior to joining. Billy Williams came from Classic Affair. In September 1971, Bob Gillett decided to become a part-time member of the group, so they rechristened themselves Space Farm.

Space Farm's self-titled 1972 debut, released on Zodiac Records, is the groups only offering, and a scarce piece to find. With bluesy, extended guitar jams, Arabic-inspired and half-howled vocals, it's a glorious platter of Kiwi psychedelia. The vivid, Yellow Submarine-esque album art, along with a story on the back explaining that they changed the bands name from the Underdogs to Space Farm due to personnel and stylistic changes, make this a complete Psych experience. 

The album was largely ignored by the public, but Space Farm continued to pull crowds and they remained at the forefront of the underground movement until their demise in 1973. Towards the end of the band, there had been drastic changes within. Harvey began to forego drugs and alcohol and these changes were reflected in his song writing and performances. After the group ended, Harvey took a sabbatical and when he returned to the scene it was as a member of the Krishna faith. He later joined Living Force with Glen. Billy Williams joined Ticket and Blerta before heading to Australia and great success in a number of Australian groups.

Tracks
1. Space Farm  - 3:14
2. Homeward Bound (Glen Absolum, Harvey Mann) - 3:56
3. Infinity Way (Billy Williams, Glen Absolum, Harvey Mann) - 3:24
4. Walking Dream - 3:40
5. On The Loose - 3:14
6. Flying - 4:23
7. Gypsy Queen (Billy Williams, Glen Absolum, Harvey Mann) - 6:23
8. Wheel - 4:14
9. Lover Not A Dancer - 3:36
All songs by Harvey Mann unless as else stated

Space Farm
*Glen Absolum - Drums
*Harvey Mann - Guitar, Vocals
*Billy Williams - Bass
with
*Bob Gillette - Saxophone

1967-69  The Underdogs - Blues Band And Beyond / Sitting In The Rain
1970  The Underdogs - Wasting Our Time
1972  Human Instinct - Snatmin Cuthin

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