Lutha -

Lutha was a New Zealand rock band that released two albums in 1972/73 on His Master’s Voice.

Members: Graham Wardrop (guitar, vocals, 1971-73), Garry McAlpine (percussion, vocals), Peter Edmonds (drums), Peter Fraser (bass, vocals), Kevin Foster (keyboards)

Background

Lutha was a New Zealand melodic rock band from Dunedin that released two albums on His Master’s Voice in 1972 and 1973. Formed in 1970 by veterans of the local South Island scene — including finalists from the 1969 Battle of the Bands — Lutha combined acoustic-rooted songwriting with soft psych textures, rich vocal harmonies, and progressive-leaning arrangements.

Lutha

Lutha released their self-titled debut album in June 1972 on His Master’s Voice (HSD 1020).

It blends folk-inflected melodies with soft psych textures and melodic songwriting. The album balances the acoustic leanings of guitarist Graham Wardrop with the rhythm-based material of vocalist/lyricist Garry McAlpine and lyricist Chris Spittle. Gentle organ, bright harmonies, and understated electric flourishes characterize the group’s introspective sound.

A1. “Then I Saw a Face”
A2. “Sun Song (Anaximander Ramblings)”
A3. “I Really Only Want You”
A4. “Andrianna”
A5. “Mountain Side”

B1. “Stop: The Music Is Over”
B2. “Why Is Gone”
B3. “My Turn To Cry”
B4. “So Many Years”
B5. “I Am But All Alone”

The album was recorded at HMV Studios in Wellington with engineer Frank Douglas. It was produced by Peter Dawkins and issued in New Zealand on vinyl through His Master’s Voice. Cover design was handled by Chain Advertising.

Earth

Lutha released their second album, Earth, in March 1973 on His Master’s Voice (HSD 1025).

It expands their sound with orchestral textures and broader arrangements. Alternating between soft, acoustic-driven songs and vocal-heavy progressive numbers, the album continues the writing split between Wardrop and the McAlpine–Spittle team. Several tracks feature brass and string elements that add scale to the band’s gently psychedelic approach.

A1. “Earth” (5:00)
A2. “Here and Now” (4:40)
A3. “Empty Rooms” (2:30)
A4. “Dandylions” (3:00)
A5. “What Do You Do” (3:10)

B1. “Waterfall (Pure Land)” (3:00)
B2. “Places” (5:30)
B3. “The Old Tree” (2:15)
B4. “My Babe” (4:40)
B5. “Policeman” (2:45)
B6. “Questions” (1:56)

Earth was produced by Mike Le Petit with engineering by Frank Douglas and Michael Grafton-Green. Brass and string arrangements were provided by Garth Young, with Chris Turner serving as session coordinator. The album was pressed and distributed by His Master’s Voice in New Zealand.

Legacy

Their career spanned four years, during which they gained national attention, remained based in Dunedin and later Christchurch, and contributed to the 1973 Live compilation alongside Blerta and Quincy Conserve. Despite limited commercial returns at the time, Lutha’s albums gained cult status through reissues and archival rediscovery in later decades.