Intriguing London-based rock act The Wave emerged from the British psychedelic underground of the late 1960s with a sound not easily classifiable. It wasn’t just the emotive vocals of their black American lead singer, John L Watson, that made a striking difference, there were swinging soul horns from Tom Harris, subtle vibraphones from Lennie Wright and drummer Ken Beveridge was known to switch his kit snares for African instruments. Although the band is better known for their prog-rock third album, I Spider, sophomore set Theraphosa Blondi is a highly sought-after gem that showcases the group’s unique blend of soul, jazz, Afro-rock and straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll, with just a hint of prog at the margins. Includes a delightfully messy take of Cream’s “Sunshine Of Your Love,” and one-off theatrical renditions of Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Til I Come Home Again” and John Loudermilk’s “Tobacco Road” a which merges into a driving take of the “America” theme from West Side Story. Far out!

Trackliste

A1 Like The Man Said
A2 Sunshine Of Your Love
A3 Til I Come Home Again Once More
B1 Bewala
B2 One Thousand Miles Away
B3 Blues For Two T's
B4 Kilimanjaro
B5 Tobacco Road/america