Formed in Edinburgh in 1966 as The Jury, Writing On The Wall evolved from a fierce soul-based live act into one of the most powerful and theatrical hard psychedelic rock bands to emerge from the UK underground.
Inspired first by American soul and R&B and later transformed by exposure to West Coast psychedelia through artists like Love and The Doors, the band developed a unique sound combining heavy organ-driven psych, proto-progressive experimentation, hard rock aggression and dramatic stagecraft.
Fronted by the charismatic Linnie Paterson and powered by the dynamic interplay of Willy Finlayson, Bill Scott, Jake Scott and Jimmy Hush, Writing On The Wall quickly became notorious for their explosive concerts at legendary venues such as Middle Earth and The Marquee Club. Their intense performances earned support from BBC DJ John Peel, who invited the band to record multiple sessions for his influential Top Gear radio show.
In 1969 the band released their sole album, The Power Of The Picts, on the short-lived Middle Earth label, linked to the hippie club with the same name. Today regarded as a cornerstone of British heavy psychedelic rock, the album fused dark Doors-inspired atmospheres, crushing Hammond organ, extended improvisation and proto-metal energy years ahead of its time.
Despite critical praise, major live popularity and opportunities to break internationally — including a triumphant appearance before 60,000 people at Brazil’s Rio Song Festival — the band’s career became trapped in management disputes, failed label deals and bad luck.
This reissue, sanctioned by original member Jimmy Hush, tells the full story of a band that should have stood alongside contemporaries such as Deep Purple, Family, Arthur Brown or early Wishbone Ash.
Remastered sound. Original artwork in hard cardboard sleeve. Insert with liner notes by David Wells with input by drummer Jimmy Hush and rare photos / memorabilia.
