Description
Back in the HCA is the sole LP by the Bowes Road Band, a group formed by four design students at the now-defunct Hornsey College of Art (HCA) in London in 1972. The album, initially pressed in only fifty copies, is characterized by its eclectic mix of psycho-trip elements, jazz improvisation, and folk stylings. It reflects influences from artists such as Mark Fry, Donovan, and The Kinks, yet stands out for its unique, genre-defying sound.
The LP's discovery at a Berlin flea market by Jannis Stürtz, DJ and co-founder of Habibi Funk & Jakarta Records, led to its reissue. Stürtz tracked down the original band members and the master tapes, which had been stored in Ted Rockley’s attic. The reissue, which includes the original cover art designed by Alan Pescod, preserves the album's distinctive, non-commercial aesthetic.
Despite its limited initial release, Back in the HCA has garnered attention for its unconventional approach to music. The album features a range of styles, from extended saxophone interludes to distorted organ accompaniments. Its reissue highlights the band's unorthodox creativity and DIY ethos, making it a notable example of a record that defies traditional categorization and commodification.
Chansons