Zodiac

'The Zodiac Years' is a box set containing 3 Human Instinct albums - 'Snatmin Cuthin' (1972), 'The Hustler' (1974) and 'Peg Leg (The Lost Tapes - 1974/2002)'. All have been re-mastered from the original Zodiac tapes. As one of New Zealand's premier groups, The Human Instinct have contributed a large portfolio of illustrious recorded works to our country's musical landscape. The Human Instinct had it's origins in Tauranga in 1958 as the Four Fours, and after major local success became the first beat band to try the London scene. The band ended up performing on the same stage as some of rock music's greats including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Small Faces, Spencer Davis Group, The Moody Blues and Manfred Mann. On the band's return to New Zealand it changed line-up to include Billy TK and Neil Edwards. The Human Instinct remained active through until the early 80s with its membership including some of the country's top musicians, exploring a range of musical styles.

The dozen signs of the Zodiac are ruminated upon during the pseudo-psychedelic Cosmic Sounds. This embarrassingly dated "concept" album was issued in late 1967 on Elektra Records . The recording – replete with equally absurd cover art – helped usher in the "age of Aquarius." Judging by the astrological psycho babble in these grooves, it may too have been the age of excess. But what should one expect from an album whose caveat reads "Must Be Played In The Dark"? Cosmic Sounds narrator Cyrus Faryar's other credits include proficiencies as a bouzouki player, bassist, guitarist, and sometimes vocalist for a plethora of diverse artists, namely Dave Guard & the Whiskeyhill Singers and the Modern Folk Quartet, as well as guest spots on albums by Mama Cass Elliot, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Buffalo Springfield, Fred Neil, and even the Firesign Theatre.

Blues-influenced Hardrock with Great Guitars and Vocals. ZODIAC already made huge waves with their first sign of life and their debut EP was awarded the "Demo of the Month" honors in the German magazines Visions and Rock Hard.The album debut "A Bit of Devil" confirmed the status of the Heavy Rock band – who add a lot of Blues to their sound – and made ZODIAC a constant in the scene. "A Hiding Place" continues the tradition of big riffs and mighty hooklines. Like no other band, ZODIAC knows how to combine insanely-melodic guitar work, groovy drums and sweeping vocal lines to an unforgettable sound experience. This is where the best of the 70s meets the modern world. "A Hiding Place" is undoubtedly the birth of a Heavy/Blues Rock legend! This band will be HUGE – you heard it here first!