Honk

Album review

The SoCal quintet Honk ranks as one of the most highly underappreciated units to have made their musical mark in the mid-'70s. Consisting of Craig Buhler (reeds/flute), Beth Fitchet (guitar/vocals), Tris Imboden (drums/percussion), Richard Stekol (guitar/vocals), Don Whaley (bass) and Steve Wood (keyboards/vocals) -- part of their misplacement in rock history may have been derived from having released two different albums for two different record labels -- both simply bearing the band's name. The only ostensibly distinguishing factor was that this collection, their 1973 debut, was issued on the short-lived 20th Century Records imprint, while their follow-up, Honk [1974], hit the shelves on Epic and included Will Brady (bass), who permanently replaced Whaley. The combo's completely original repertoire is a reflection of several strong and sonorously distinct personas. Perhaps as the sole female voice, Fitchet's organically expressive and concordant vocal contributions are particularly rewarding. She vacillates between the moody and introspective "Buckeyed Jim" -- similarly spotlighting Honk's formidable harmonies -- and the affably funky Linda Rondstadt-esque belter "I Wanna Do for You," which opens the effort. However, it is the portentous beauty of "Circles in Sand" that is unquestionably her finest offering. The soulfully syncopated "So Much Easier" is a platform for Wood's clever arranging and breath-defying, tongue-twisting lyrics. He also turns in the equally catchy "Another Light," as well as the compelling open throttle "Hidin' Out." Another standout is Stekol's bluesy "We're on Wheels" that bops around a walkin' rhythm juxtaposed against a jaunty backbeat. Honk [1973] concludes with arguably their best-known tune, the group-composed instrumental "Pipeline Sequence." While certainly not surf music in the traditional sense, it garnered substantial airplay on a few of the hipper North American radio stations -- thanks to being prominently featured in the cinematic cult classic Five Summer Stories (1972) -- not to mention grabbing the top spot on the play list of POI in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2004 Hip-O Select brought the platter into the 21st century with eight previously unavailable tracks to boot.

© Lindsay Planer /TiVo