Orang-Utan (Magic Playground) UK 1971, Progressive Hard Rock Music

ORANG-UTAN – Orang-Utan (1971) UK
Bell Records BELL 6054

Magic Playground

from the re-issue cd

01. I Can See Inside Your Head
02. Slipping Away
03. Love Queen
04. Chocolate Piano
05. If You Leave
06. Fly Me High
07. Country Hike
08. Magic Playground

Terry “Nobby” Clark – Vocals (ex-JASON CREST, VENDETTA)
Mick Clarke – Guitars
Sid Fairman – Guitars
Paul Roberts – Bass
Jeff Seopardie – Drums (ISOTOPE, BRAND X, PACIFIC EARDRUM, CHRIS REA, SAD CAFE, BOYS DON’T CRY, CHUCK BERRY)

ORANG-UTAN was a one and done British band from ’71.
At the time of the albums release, it was issued only in Germany and the USA which led many to believe that the band were in fact German.
This misconception has only recently been dispelled since the albums cd rereleases.
There’s not much back story on this fine british hard rock outfit, which is sad considering the talent and chops this formidable ensemble possessed.
What is known is that this album was released without the band’s knowledge in 1971.
An associate of the band took the masters to Bell Records and convinced them to release the album before the band was even aware the album was given the green light to complete.
Though this kind of shady behavior is generally frowned upon in the business, kudos are in order for the gesture.
Obviously, someone could see the great potential of this band.
Unfortunately, this act also precipitated the eventual split of the band shortly thereafter.
It is really a tragedy that we will never know how this fine group would have evolved on its own, but we are at the very least left with one hell of an impressive debut that remains to this day, a classic cult release.
Dig in and explore the world of Orang-Utan…
Comparisons to LEAFHOUND would be accurate, especially in the vocal department, the guy really sonically resembling Peter French pretty well.
Musically also Leafhound comes to mind, as well as Free and maybe early Zeppelin (although not quite as heavy as say Zep 1 or 2).
There are a few standout tracks, maybe 3 or 4, and the remainder are also pretty good.
Opener, “I Can See Inside Your Head”, is a great loping blues rocker which could easily have slipped onto Leaf Hound’s “Growers Of Mushroom” without seeming out of place.
Also worth mentioning is the sprawling heavy psychedelia of “Chocolate Piano”, a lengthy set piece at the end of side one.
Although their songs aren’t as memorable as those of Leafhound or Zeppelin, there is still lots here to enjoy.
This is something that 70’s collectors may or may not find essential, I say this one’s pretty solid with plenty to rave about.