PsychepediA

From: London, England

This London based band was originally called the Soul System, but updated their name to the Attack after signing to Decca in late 1966. They are considered by many to have been one of the best 60s U.K. freakbeat bands and have also developed a significantly large following over the years. The original lineup included Richard Sherman (lead vocals), David O'List (lead guitar, trumpet, vocals), Bob Taylor (guitar), Gerry Henderson (bass), Alan "Noddy" Whitehead (drums) and Bob Hodges (keyboards).

They released four strong singles from 1967 through 1968. After their first record (an excellent cover of Ohio Express' 'Try It'), Whitehead quit to join the Marmalade and was replaced by Barney Barnfield (drums). Their second single ('Hi Ho Silver Lining') got them in some hot water when they lost a chart battle to Jeff Beck's version of the same song and then claimed that he had taken the tune from them. The flip side of this single however, is the outstanding 'Anymore Than I Do', which was used by famed DJ John Peel in one of his Radio London jingles. At this point, Brian "Blinky" Davison (drums) briefly joined, but then left along with O'List to join the Nice. O'List was first replaced by Geoff Richardson (lead guitar) who didn't that long and was then replaced more permanently by John Du Cann (lead guitar). Numerous other personnel changes occurred around this time with Chris Allen (drums) taking the place of Davison, Kenny Harold (bass) replacing Henderson and George Watt (keyboards) replacing Hodges who went on to join Tuesday's Children.

Their third 45 includes the amazing 'Colour Of My Mind' tucked away on the B-side, but like the first two records, unfortunately didn't sell that well. More lineup changes then occurred when Plug Davies (drums) and Jim Avery (bass) replacing Allen and Watt. It was this incarnation that released a final 45 ('Lady Orange Peel' b/w 'Neville Thumbcatch') in January, 1968 that houses two superb, very original slices of British psychedelia. At this time, they also recorded the Du Cann song 'Go Your Way', but it was never released, along with a shelved LP project that was to be titled "Roman God Of War". The rhythm section was then again replaced with Roger Deane (bass) and Keith Hodge (drums), but the band broke up soon after. After their split in early '68, Du Cann went on to join the Five Day Week Straw People and then formed Andromeda. He later spent time in Atomic Rooster during both the early 70s and 80s.

Artist information sources include: The book, 'Tapestry of Delights Revisited' by Vernon Joynson.