BELGIAN REVIEW: DEVIANTS - Barbarian princes - Live in Japan 1999

If like me you did not yet recovered from the death of Mick Farren occurred last year, a handful of reissues of albums of late Deviants by Gonzo Multimedia will definitely put you in joy. Indeed, the American label releases these days the latest albums of Deviants,"Barbarian princes" (1999), "The Deviants-have left the planet" (1999) and "Dr. Crow" (2002). But before delve into the study of these recent albums, a quick word on the old albums Deviants, essential to understanding the English proto-punk scene of the 60s because Mick Farren and his band lit committed between 1967 and 1969 three albums that contain the seeds of what would later become punk. At the time, the music in " Ptooff! " (1967), " Disposable " (1968) and "The Deviants " (1969) rebounds in delirious psychedelic rock rough garage, with a dose of sweet madness instilled by this illuminated Mick Farren, also a journalist and writer underground. At the time, the subversive activities of Deviants go completely unnoticed by the general public and not the group resulting from the dissolution of the Deviants, the equally legendary Pink Fairies , which will also manage to climb on the stairs notoriety.

Today, these groups will be the subject of a cult among fans of underground or hard psychedelic rock, having contributed to the emergence of the new scene and neo-psychedelic stoner who enjoys our better account days. As for Deviants, Mick Farren group nevertheless benefit from a recognition late in life, thanks to some reformations years the 80s, 90s and 2000. firstly there was a return in 1984 with the live album " Human garbage " , which was a small transient stroke.Twelve years later, Mick Farren is back with his ixvi Deviants , which released the album "Eating jello with a heated fork" , sold penny mantle in 1996 At that time, Mick Farren was surrounded by new musicians including his friend Andy Colquhoun (who commit Farren album " Black vinyl dress " just before we leave). It also must be noted the presence on this album from the legendary Wayne Kramer , guitarist of the MC5 , the American equivalent of Deviants in these smiling years 1967-1969.Here we are in the heart of the matter with the continuation of this reformation Deviants operated from 1996 Here things seem to last a little longer since found the Deviants on a live album released in 1999, this "Barbarian princes" was recorded in a small club and Japanese, in addition to Mick Farren (vocals and various incantations) and Andy Colquhoun (guitar), also puts vying Doug Lunn on bass and Ric Parnell on drums. The latter has a reputation in the micro-ultra-limited world of amateur groups obscure hard rock of the 70s as he crushed the skins in Horse , responsible group of one album of hard rock wild in 1970 and with a bit more experienced Atomic Rooster .

Japanese concert in 1999 reveals Deviants in good shape, performing some songs from their 1996 album as well as new titles. We remain captivated by the rantings of Mick Farren growling foolish words, and especially athletic solos and nervous Andy Colquhoun on Imperial Fender. The sound is okay, good starting square of "Aztec calendar" puts everyone at ease and began a series of dedicated tracks and no downtime. Among them, the long and tense "Leading hotel" and "Dogpoet" stand out, with their streams of surreal lyrics, their tight rhythm and swirling guitar Andy Colquhoun. For world music business, this live album Deviants is a non-event. But deep cellars, freaks shudder again  : the Deviants are back and Mick Farren is still indomitable. This reissue is lined with a DVD showing the show in pictures but the object is rather anecdotal. Poorly filmed by distant cameras, incorrectly installed, the video above has the advantage of allowing to see Mick Farren and his minions in action on stage. The sound is the same quality as the CD and order of movement of the pieces is different.

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CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Barbarian Princes Live in Japan 1999 CD - £9.99

The Deviants Have Left The Planet CD - £9.99

Dr Crow CD - £9.99