Human Instinct "The Hustler" 1974

I've always dug the name- Human Instinct. There's something good and earthy about it. Something their music has always reflected. Live-the music they play is a good selection of original material and pop- with a spooky heavy flavour to it that makes it excellent to dance to...

...Lately the band has gone out on a limb and started their own private club, called Shanty Town, something refreshingly new on the dead local club scene. And then there was that incredibly funky rustic version of "Down The Hall On Saturday Night" that I caught one day up at Stebbings.
The Instinct's music grew out of the heavy acid period of about five to seven years ago- the menacing bass riffs, the lead guitar about as melodic as a number seven dentist's drill. The moods about the same, but the music is a lot more mellow. "The Hustler" is their second album for Zodiac and technically, musically, it's their best. The current line-up is Drummer / Leader Maurice Greer, and three guitars distributed between Martin Hope, Glen Mickelson and John Donoghue. In the latter two the Instinct has two very competent Songwriters. Glen Mikkleson wrote five of the albums nine tracks. They vary from good to very good, encompassing a variety of styles and moods. "Mae West and my Gangster Hero"has a definite Steely Dan feel to it. "Nothings Changed" is a simple country-style ballad and is probably Mikkleson's strongest lyrically. But "The Hustler's" real line honours go to Donoghue's two songs. "Johnny Blade" is pacey and mean. "Gonna see them fairies dance, I don't dig your hustlin' ways, you cant scare Johnny Blade" Snarls the Chicargo Torpedo Man. "Gypsy Lady" has a Hendrix-like instrumental riff that under scores the melody. "Gypsy Lady" is a really beautiful song. "I hear voices from the sky." quips Donoghue in his prim Hindu-ese (Pronouncing voices-VICES):
"Jeanne D'Arc didn't lie/ they told her she was mad/ but the truth was in her eyes coloured sad/` Alas these ancient eyes are growing weak/but what are the truths you wish to seek / from me cos to find them you will have to live inside my mind" The production on The Hustler is by the Instinct themselves. Although it is first rate sometimes the songs cry out for a little thickening.
But then again there is only so much drums and three guitars can accomplish, no matter how competently handled. The production, Suzi Pointon's photography, and the music make the "Hustler" one of the most original local; albums in recent months.
Get into The "Hustler". It's good - Hotlicks Magazine 1974 - Review by Simon Rodway

trax:
01. The Hustler 02. Mae West & My Gangster Hero 03. Funky Monkey 04. Johnny Blade 05. Last Breakfast 06. Passing Lines 07. Gypsy Lady 08. Nothing's Changed 09. Stoned Mary
…served by Gaius...