Living Force - Living Force (WM New Zealand) 1977

Biography Living Force were formed from the ashes of another obscure New Zealand band called Spacefarm. In reviewing their sole album, 1972-1974 era Santana is the obvious blueprint here. Plenty of Sri Chinmoy spirituality references, not to mention Carlos' trademark sustain guitar style. A bit out of its era, but wonderfully so. The Santana reference also is apparent on the percussion heavy instrumentals. The songwriter tracks are more in line with other bands from Australasia during the 70s. I hear bits of Pantha in particular, and smaller doses of Dragon, Ragnarok, and Sebastian Hardie. The album's only misstep is 'Sail This Boat', an insipid pop number that wouldn’t be out of place on a time travel American Idol episode. One wishes they would have attempted an entirely instrumental album... that would’ve been a killer. (Great Album! only front, not my rip)

Tracklist

01.Changes (Mann) 6:14

02.Matter Monster (Mann) 5:40

03.Jaya (Matepi) 3:30

04.Only You (Hansen) 4:40

05.Sweet Inspiration (Living Force) 3:43

06.Baja Sri (Living Force) 5:08

07.Hello Friend (Hansen) 4:23

08.Sail This Boat (Hansen) 4:19

09.Hari Bol (Hansen) 5:29

Line-up

Matt Matepi - vocals, guitar, percussion

Harvey Mann - guitar, bass, vocals

Eddie Hansen - guitar, bass, vocals

John Pepper - keyboards

Mike Fisher - congas, percussion

Glen Absolum - drums, percussion