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Octopus biography Psychedelic/Space Rock
Originally named The CORTINAS, this mid-60's Hatfield quartet was discovered by The TROGGS' soon-to-be bassist Tony Murray and Nigel Olssen, destined to be Elton JOHN's regular drummer. It is Murray who eventually introduced the band to producer Larry Page, The TROGG's manager, and by 1968 OCTOPUS had earned a support spot to a promising young band called YES. They also got booked into the Marquee Club, toured Europe, shared the stage with HUMBLE PIE and STATUS QUO among others, and in 1970 released a first-rate pop album titled "Restless Night"; unfortunately, however, it failed to attract much enthusiasm outside their hometown. They stuck together for a while and then decided to split up in 1972. Their keyboard player John Cook later joined MUNGO GERRY whereas bassist Nigel Griggs and drummer Malcolm Green, both moving to Australia, eventually became members of SPLIT ENZ.

Their sole album is a fascinating specimen of early 70's pop with tinges of psychedelia, with musical phrases and choruses highly reminiscent of The BEATLES and TEN CC. Complete with the era's typical fuzz guitar and swirly organ, the album features short but catchy song-based melodies, a few bluesy jams and very strong vocals. The extremely rare original LP is no doubt worth a bundle but anyone interested in some fine pre-prog, 70's psych pop ought to seek out the 1997 CD release which contains several bonus tracks.

You'll definitely be hooked by this OCTOPUS if you're a BEATLES, BADFINGER or TEN CC fan.


1. The River (4:26) 
2. Summer (3:05) 
3. Council Plans (3:37) 
4. Restless Night (4:02) 
5. Thief (3:38) 
6. Queen and the Pauper (3:39) 
7. I Say (1:54) 
8. Johns' Rock (2:40) 
9. Rainchild (3:05) 
10. Tide (5:37) 

+ 4 Bonus Tracks on GTR: 
11. Laugh At The Poor Man (3:14) 
12. Girlfriend (2:54) 
13. The River - single version (3:23) 
14. Thief - single version (3:37)