The Man With The Moon in Him

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the trippy vibes of Leaf Hound's "The Man With The Moon in Him" from their 2007 album Unleashed, delighting their loyal Zoo Freaks. This track, a standout on the album, channels the raw energy of classic 70s rock with a modern edge, described by Repertoire Records as part of a collection of "hard-hitting tracks" that showcase the band's enduring dynamism. According to an essay by Chris Welch in the Unleashed reissue booklet, the song's lyrical depth and heavy riffs were crafted to evoke a sense of cosmic mystery, with frontman Peter French drawing inspiration from the band's early days jamming in smoky London clubs. French once shared in a 2007 interview with journalist Malcolm Dome, quoted in the same booklet, that the song was born from a late-night session where the band felt "like we were channeling something otherworldly, like the moon itself was in the room." Fans on the Leaf Hound Official Facebook page have echoed this, with one 2021 post calling it "a head-banging ode to the lunar spirit that every Zoo Freak can vibe with."

Delving into the song's trivia, "The Man With The Moon in Him" was one of the first tracks recorded for Unleashed, setting the tone for Leaf Hound's comeback after decades of cult status. The album's full-color insert, as noted on Repertoire Records, includes lyrics that hint at a nomadic, free-spirited character, which some fans on the Leaf Hound Fan Group speculate was inspired by French's own experiences touring with various bands in the 70s. A 2019 post on the Leaf Hound X account shared a throwback photo of the band recording the track, captioned, "Caught in the lunar glow, making magic in the studio." The song's production, remastered by Eroc for the 2021 vinyl debut, emphasizes its gritty guitar work, with young guitarist Luke Rayner’s virtuosity shining through, as praised by Dome in his review. For Zoo Freaks, this track is a perfect blend of retro swagger and fresh fire, making it a staple for THE ZOO's late-night airwaves.

Leaf Hound began as Black Cat Bones in London in 1969, a blues-rock outfit that morphed into something heavier and more distinctive. Led by vocalist Peter French and guitarist Mick Halls, the band renamed itself Leaf Hound and recorded their debut album, Growers of Mushroom, in 1970. As detailed on their official bio page, the album was initially released in truncated form on Germany’s Telefunken label before its full UK release on Decca in 1971. Its raw, proto-metal sound, blending influences from Hendrix, Cream, and Zeppelin, earned it cult status, with original copies later fetching up to £11,000 at auction, according to Repertoire Records. After the band split in the early 70s, French joined Atomic Rooster and Cactus, but the mystique of Growers of Mushroom kept Leaf Hound alive in collectors’ circles. In 2004, French reformed the band with a new lineup, including Rayner, bassist Ed Pearson, and drummer Jimmy Rowland, leading to the release of Unleashed and a resurgence of live performances across Europe.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with Leaf Hound, the band’s official presence is strong. Their official website at Repertoire Records offers discographies, videos, and updates on releases. The Leaf Hound Official Facebook page, with nearly 5,000 likes, shares tour photos and fan interactions, while their X account posts nostalgic content and engages with fans. The band’s Instagram is a visual treat, featuring album art and behind-the-scenes shots. Fans can also join the Leaf Hound Fan Group on Facebook, a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and collectors trade stories, vinyl photos, and gig memories. Additionally, the fan-run Rough Trade page on Leaf Hound provides bio details and links to their catalog, making it a go-to for diehard supporters.