Freedom’s Children is described as one of the best rock bands the world has almost never heard of. Freedom’s Children is a different, unique and impressive group that was founded in the Republic of South Africa during a very bad time, trying to make music and become known with their own efforts, but was only able to gain a certain audience in South Africa.
The band, which was founded in 1965 under the name The Lehman Limited during the years considered to be the peak of the apartheid period, turned into The Seven Faces with later additions and finally took the name Freedom’s Children. In a place where the racist regime is at its peak, just the name of the band is a problem in itself. Of course, not only that, they had to deal with problems for a long time. At a time when they were trying to go to England and give concerts, they couldn’t even get legal permission. Apart from a few unauthorized concerts (it would be more accurate to call them concerts since they were smaller), they couldn’t do anything. Naturally, they never had the chance to open up on the world stage.
The situation was worse with his own principles. Let alone concerts or recitals, they are mostly banned from being played on the radio. Aside from the fact that the band’s name was dangerous for the period, the notables of the Republic of South Africa, who thought that they were exposed to a different version of the British Invasion that Americans experienced in the early 60s, saw this band, which was fed by Psychedelic Rock and Rhythm & Blues, as highly objectionable.
The group, which has frequently encountered such problems throughout its existence, has never been able to stand out. In the process that started to improve with the release of Mandela, they became unknown to everyone and forgotten by those who were known, until their albums were re-released (in CD format, of course). This is exactly why we don’t know that they are one of the best Heavy Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock bands ever.
In fact, with the music they make, they are not at all inferior to well-known bands like Atomic Rooster or Egg. Their creativity goes head to head with many bands and names, including those we have mentioned, and even surpasses most of them.
Astra is the band’s second album that they had the opportunity to record and release. Although the first album is also good, it is easier to label this album as a masterpiece. A dark and cosmic album where melodic variations progress endlessly and guitars reign in different tones. It’s like a collective scream of all the suffering experienced during the apartheid era.
FREEDOM’S CHILDREN
Julian Laxton / Guitar, Black Box (He invented it himself)
Ramsay MacKay / Bass
Gerard Nel / Piano, Harpsichord, Cymbals
Nic Martens / Organ
Brian Davidson / Vocals
Colin Pratley / Drums
ASTRA
01. Aileen (2:01)
02. The Homecoming (6:19)
03. The Kid He Came From Hazareth (5:24)
04. Medals of Bravery (3:25)
05. Tribal Fence (4:12)
06.Gentle Beasts Pt. 1 & 2 (5:26)
07. Slowly Towards the North Pt. 1 & 2 (7:04)
08. Afterward (4:57)