Zakarrias - Zakarrias (1971) Vinyl

Born and living in Vienna/Austria. Zakarrias, which is quite unknown even today, was founded by Bobby Haumer (lead singer & bass). Bobby was actually known as Zakarrias. Other band members were guitarist Huw LLoyed - Langton (who co-founded the legendary space rock band Hawkwind, which he left in 1970 to return only after 9 years), drummer John Lengton (playing as well with Stomu Yamashta / Manfred Mann) and Samy Birnbach, lyrics. This is the rarest of all albums released on the famous Deram label. The Deram label was the more progressive / experimental sub-label to the U.K. Decca label. It features the first recordings by bands such as "The Moody Blues", "David Bowie" and "Cat Stevens". An official reissue was made in the 1990's by Deram-Japan. The value of an original copy in mint condition will easily bring you 500EUR in cash at the least in no time.
Zakarrias has a rather enigmatic approach to rockin': He does it without the typical lead guitar breaks, or loud, crunchy electric rhythm guitar one would normally find on a rock LP of this era. Instead, his approach is all about the tension and release built by using his reedy vocals together with acoustic piano and guitar, and an excellent rhythm section. The electric guitar and Hammond organ are both used but are mixed in subtly. I describe these things because they constitute a novel approach to arranging a rock LP of this era, in my view. The songwriting style is bluesy yet also progressive and jazzy, since he incorporates many tempo changes within a given track. Furthermore, he also uses horns subtly with no blaring solos. His compositions don't burn, they smolder. Zakkarrias is a master of rhythm and mood on this his first and only LP.