Human Instinct – Black Sally (NZ 1970)

Stoned Guitar was the second album by Human Instinct – one of New Zealand’s most famous bands. This legendary heavy psych acid guitar rock album was released 1970. Full tilt wah wah fuzz guitar in all it’s glory! The cover featured a painting by New Plymouth artist Michael Smither, “Two Rock Pools”.

The album’s closing track, “Railway and Gun”, was recorded live at Auckland’s Bo-Peep Club, where the band had a residency. The song, originally by Rory Gallagher, was one of three cover versions on the album: “Tomorrow” was a version of John Kongos’ “Tomorrow I’ll Go” (which later appeared on his Kongos album (Elektra, 1972) and “Black Sally” had been released as a single in March 1970 by Sydney band Mecca, which featured singer/guitarist Dennis Wilson and bassist Bob Daisley. The pair formed Kahvas Jute in June 1970.

“Maori guitarist Billy TK was the Jimi Hendrix of the Southern Hemisphere. He obviously took the lessons of the Master to heart and, on his albums with Human Instinct, took Hendrix’s psychedelic approach to absurd new extremes. Not necessarily the greatest listening experience, but definitely the farthest “out” of any guitar psyche you’re likely to ever hear. This album is one of the most important chapters of rock from that era. ”

Band:
Maurice Greer — lead vocals, drums, tambourine
Billy TK — lead guitar
Larry Waide — bass, guitar (“Midnight Sun”)
Derek Neville — baritone sax (“Midnight Sun”)