HIDE & SEEK – I Can Fly: The Complete Recordings 1968-1971 (Konkord) LP/CD
Reissued for the first time in over 50 years: the complete works of Austrian Psychedelic Rock legends Hide & Seek.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Austrian rock history is the story of the Graz-based psychedelic rock band Hide & Seek. From 1969, the young outfit came to nationwide success in no time and almost hit the top of the Austrian radio hit parade. But shortly thereafter, on the brink of their Europe-wide breakthrough, the band split up after only a few releases. What happened in between is big pop history and, above all, awesome musical legacy.
No other Austrian rock band of that era captured the succesful British sound better than this remarkable group. Their first single (“The Beggar of St. Pair” / “Riven Street”) clearly shows that the six young musicians made regular trips to London, the capital of pop music. This exciting, psychedelic-tinted freakbeat could also come from the best British, Dutch, or Swedish bands - an impressive showcase of talent from an unknown group from a small Austrian town!
Subsequently, the sound becomes harder, with obvious influences from bands such as Cream and Spooky Tooth. Even American hard rock pioneers Mountain can be heard shimmering through. But Hide & Seek always played captivating original compositions. And none of their songs failed to impress.
On this compilation you can now hear the four rare and extremely expensive 7“ records by Hide & Seek in the best possible remastered audio quality. In addition, an unreleased original composition by the band was rescued and restored from a practically destroyed live tape. The listening experience is rounded off by an extensive, richly illustrated booklet with liner notes by Al Bird Sputnik.
