3 Bands From the 70s Classic Rock Era That Should Have Been Way Bigger + Their Best Albums

The Resurgence of the ‘Forgotten’ Sound

The landscape of modern music is witnessing a cyclical return to the experimentation of the 1970s. We are seeing a growing appetite for what were once considered “forgotten bands”—groups that possessed immense talent but remained relegated to compact cult followings during their initial run.

The trajectory of bands like Leaf Hound serves as a primary example. Originally forming in 1970, their self-titled debut (later re-released as Growers Of Mushroom in 1971) initially sold poorly, leading to the band’s dissolution. However, the album eventually became a highly sought-after collector’s item.

This shift suggests a future trend where “deep cuts” and archival discoveries drive musical influence. Music historians and listeners are increasingly prioritizing proto-metal and avant-garde arrangements over generic classic rock, paving the way for a new era of sonic archaeology.

Why Genre-Fluidity is the New Standard

The boundaries between musical styles are blurring, a trend that mirrors the early function of Curved Air. Formed in 1970, the group blended progressive rock, folk rock, and fusion with classical elements, utilizing a mix of classical, folk, and electronic sounds.

This multidisciplinary approach—combining Sonja Kristina’s vocals with Darryl Way’s romantic violin and Francis Monkman’s synthesizer—was an anomaly in British progressive rock at the time. Today, this “anomaly” is becoming the blueprint for contemporary artists who refuse to be boxed into a single genre.

The enduring appeal of tracks like the long-winded album version of “Vivaldi” from the 1970 album Air Conditioning demonstrates that listeners are still drawn to complex, multi-layered compositions that challenge traditional song structures.

The Enduring Allure of Dark Folk and Proto-Metal

There is a burgeoning interest in music that explores darker, more provocative thematic territory. Comus, with their 1971 debut First Utterance, epitomized this by blending psychedelic progressive folk rock with dark pagan themes.

The record functions almost as a protest album, focusing on the theme of innocent people resisting abusive authority through songs like “Diana,” “Song To Comus,” and “Drip Drip.” This thematic depth ensures that such music remains evergreen, resonating with new generations who appreciate art that tackles social and psychological tension.

Similarly, the recognition of Leaf Hound as one of the earliest pioneers of heavy metal shows a trend toward valuing the “roots” of aggression and power in music. The transition from the generic sounds of the era to the specific, raw energy of proto-metal continues to influence how modern heavy music is produced, and consumed.

For more insights into the evolution of these sounds, you can explore the history of Curved Air or check out our other guides on 70s cult classics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the key members of Curved Air?
The band was formed in 1970 by Sonja Kristina (vocals), Darryl Way (violin), Francis Monkman (keyboards), and Florian Pilkington-Miksa (drums).

What defines the sound of Comus?
Comus is known for a seamless blend of prog-rock, psychedelia, and folk, often characterized by dark pagan themes and lyrics about resisting abusive authority.

Why is Leaf Hound considered important?
Leaf Hound is regarded as one of the earliest pioneers of heavy metal, specifically within the proto-metal subgenre, though they initially disbanded after their first album sold poorly.