Empathy Instinct

Jerry Goldsmith's most provocative feature film score, Basic Instinct brilliantly evokes the sex and suspense that together galvanize the onscreen narrative. Ominous piano, stiletto-sharp bursts of strings, and bubbling electronics combine to capture lust in all its myriad forms, from carnal desire to murderous rage, as well as delineate the subtle differences between each iteration. Goldsmith scores the film's notoriously graphic sex scenes with particular aplomb, achieving what can only be described as an orchestral orgasm as the music builds to its climax. For all its sophistication and invention, Basic Instinct is above all the work of a dirty old man, and it's fascinating.

'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.

On his 1993 Warner Bros. debut, instrumental rocker Gary Hoey plucks and hammers his way through 40 minutes' worth of post-Satriani rock noodling. Despite several attempts at genre-bending blues and soul references, Animal Instinct is all melodic (bordering on adult/soft) rock. The aggressive opener, "Mass Hysteria," and the upbeat shuffle "Texas Son" count as highlights, but the real standout is probably "Drive," a cut that boasts what is clearly the record's finest melody. Hoey plays admirably, and his supporting cast – Tony Franklin (bass) and Frankie Banali (drums) – also provide solid performances. Animal Instinct is a respectable offering for sure, but Hoey doesn't demonstrate a rhythmic or melodic capacity anywhere near that of his obvious influences, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Fans of virtuoso guitar rock would do better to search out superior shred material from the likes of Michael Lee Firkins, Tony MacAlpine, and Blues Saraceno before picking up this or any Gary Hoey disc.