"The Human Menagerie" is the debut studio album by the British rock band Cockney Rebel. The album was released in 1973 and it was produced by Neil Harrison. It marked the breakthrough of Steve Harley and his band, who had formed in the early 70s. Interestingly, the album is devoid of any traditional guitar leads; instead, the unique sound of the electric violin and Fender Rhodes electric piano carries the songs.
Among the significant tracks on the album is the nine-minute epic "Sebastian," which despite not charting in the UK, was a huge hit in Europe. Another standout track is the solitary "Death Trip", the album’s closing song, which developed a critical reputation for its lyrical content and the ambitious musical accompaniment.
"The Human Menagerie" didn't make a significant commercial impact upon release, though it earned a cult following and helped to establish Cockney Rebel as one of the more adventurous bands from the glam rock era. The fusion of glam rock and progressive rock distinguished the band’s sound, and their influence would be felt within the music industry in the years that followed.
