Zen Bastard by Earthling Society

Zen Bastard is a studio recording capturing the live sound of Earthling Society. Revisiting tracks from their first two albums ‘Outsideofintime’ (Albion) and ‘ The Kosmik suite ‘ (Plastic Jesus) the band set out to do justice to these classic space rock songs by giving them the throttle that was lacking in the original 8 track recordings.
Recording was completed over a weekend in April 2016 at the legendary and idyllic Foel Studios home to bassist Dave Anderson of Hawkwind & Amon Duul2 fame.

The album also features a brand new song in the title track. A Satori inspired wig out to the children of the mushroom.

Fred Laird – vocals, guitars, gakken, coral sitar, mellotron and lap steel.
Kim Allen – Bass
Jon Blacow – Drums and percussion

All songs by Fred Laird
Arranged by Earthling Society
Engineer – Tom Wild


“At times truly blistering, as a whole possibly their most satisfying listen so far, and easily betters a lot of vintage material of a similar bent.”

Record Collector

“…a label with a finger firmly on the pulse of the psychedelic zeitgeist. The release of ‘Zen Bastard’ however sees both Earthling Society and Drone Rock Records surpass themselves. This early on it may be a bit much to already pronounce this an album of the year, but 2017 will have to surpass the bumper year that was 2016 for this not to make the top 10…if I had a reputation, I’d stake it upon this. Bloody genius!”

Dayz Of Purple And Orange

“I have a feeling that every listen of this superb set of songs will glean a different voyage. I’d go further…this could well be The Earthling Society’s AND Drone Rock Records’ finest release to date…a confluence that is as impressive as it is surprising given what has gone before, from both parties.”

Psych Insight

Lovers of classic space rock will find much to love whilst the new psych fans may just get an earful of what true heads listen to. Another fine release from one of the best psych bands around. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

Echoes & Dust

empty house is the solo work of Fleetwood based musician Fred Laird. Formed in March 2021, empty house is a musical project that fuses electronics, dub, drone and ambient. Buddhism, Clouds, literature, Martial Arts, sleeping all play a part in the themes of Laird's compositions.

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