Breach of Lease

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heavy, haunting vibes of "Breach of Lease" by Bloodrock from their 1971 album Bloodrock 3, and Zoo Freaks, this track is a proto-doom metal gem that hits like a sledgehammer. Clocking in at over nine minutes, it’s a slow-burning, apocalyptic anthem with a creeping bassline and explosive instrumental middle that blends psychedelic and hard rock elements. Fans on platforms like Discogs rave about its "sick proto-doom metal" energy, calling it a standout that overshadows other tracks on the album. One reviewer on Amazon described it as a "bombastisch-vollendetes Werk" (bombastic, perfected work), noting its rarity and impact in the early '70s rock scene. The song’s dark, ominous lyrics, with Jim Rutledge growling about divine retribution, struck a chord during the Vietnam era, resonating with listeners in black-lit basements, as one writer on Furious.com recalled, tying it to the anti-war sentiment of the time.

Another layer of trivia comes from Geezerology, which praises "Breach of Lease" for its creepy experimentation, highlighting how the track shifts from a ghostly organ-backed intro to a brontosaurus-sized riff. It’s a fan favorite, often cited alongside tracks like "Kool-Aid Kids" and "Jessica" from the same album. On BitChute, a user noted that while Bloodrock wasn’t overtly psychedelic, this song’s sheer intensity makes it unforgettable. The track’s production, handled by Terry Knight, adds a subtle spooky veneer, a quality fans have picked up on since its release. For Zoo Freaks digging the vibes, it’s worth noting that Amazon reviewers who saw Bloodrock live in the early '70s, often opening for bands like Grand Funk Railroad, call "Breach of Lease" a highlight of their blistering live sets, with Lee Pickens’ meticulous guitar leads stealing the show.

Bloodrock’s story kicks off in Fort Worth, Texas, where the band first formed in 1963 as The Naturals. The original lineup featured Jim Rutledge on drums and vocals, Nick Taylor on guitar and vocals, Ed Grundy on bass and vocals, and Dean Parks on guitar. They cut their teeth in the local scene, playing battle of the bands and opening for acts like The Beach Boys and Paul Revere & The Raiders. By 1965, they released their first single, "Hey Girl" b/w "I Want You," under the Rebel label. In 1966, they switched their name to Crowd + 1 and signed with Capitol Records, dropping a few singles that didn’t chart. After Parks left to become a session musician for Sonny & Cher, the band regrouped, and by 1969, they adopted the name Bloodrock, a moniker coined by producer Terry Knight, who signed them to Capitol. Knight saw their raw, heavy sound as something that could "run through your veins," as he wrote on the back of their debut album’s cassette. Their first album, Bloodrock, dropped in 1970, setting the stage for their heavier, more progressive sound on later records like Bloodrock 3.

The band’s early influences included Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Deep Purple, which you can hear in their hard-hitting riffs and swirling organ work. They gained traction opening for Hendrix at the second Atlanta International Pop Festival in front of 350,000 people and even recorded at Electric Lady Studios with Hendrix’s drummer, Mitch Mitchell. Bloodrock’s biggest break came with their 1970 hit "D.O.A." from Bloodrock 2, a gruesome tale of a plane crash victim that hit #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. By the time Bloodrock 3 rolled out in 1971, they were touring with Grand Funk Railroad, delivering sellout shows and cementing their cult status, especially among Vietnam troops, as noted on Metalmania. Though they never reached the fame of prog giants like Yes or King Crimson, their loyal fanbase kept them rocking through the early '70s.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Bloodrock’s official online presence is sparse, as the band disbanded in 1975 and hasn’t maintained active official accounts. However, you can find some archival info on their Wikipedia page, which serves as a solid hub for their history. On Facebook, there’s no official band page, but fan-driven groups like the Bloodrock Fans group keep the spirit alive with discussions and rare photos. Instagram doesn’t have an official Bloodrock account, but searching the hashtag #Bloodrock turns up fan posts and vinyl collectors sharing their love for the band. Similarly, on X, there’s no verified band account, but fans occasionally post about tracks like "Breach of Lease" or "D.O.A." under the band’s name. For fan websites, check out ClassicRockHistory.com for a detailed discography or TSHAOnline.org for a deep dive into their Texas roots. These sites, along with AllMusic, are great for Zoo Freaks looking to geek out over Bloodrock’s legacy.