(A) SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (Sleeve liners):"Most pop fans here have been demanding a new sound in music for ages. Now Philips have found this sound and introduce to you - the Valiants (image). Malacca-based Valiants have been together for three years.
Last year they were joined by John K. Couzens - a modern musician from Bristol, England. With John's guidance they have sprung from being a popular instrumental group to the top close-harmony group in Malaysia.
For the past six months they have become the most popular vocal group in Malacca. Their act on stage has the two main essentials - versatility and variety. Just listen to these four numbers penned by lead singer John and you will agree that this new sound is here to stay."
(B) Andy's Comment:
The above sleeve-liner was written by one M. Hanny and some scribblings on it noted that the vinyl was catalogued by a radio station on 24th January, 1968. Using this date as a guideline, Couzens could have joined them in 1967 and the band could have been together since 1964 or '65.
They must have reached some peak in popularity in Malacca, Malaysia or else Philips would not have invited them to record.
Vinyl info: The songs include: Big Wheel, My Elaine, Running Wild, Daddy's Home. All songs are by Couzens. Vinyl #437833 PE. It is a mono recording.
The group members: John K. Couzens (lead singer), William Rodrigues (rhythm), Roger Foo (bass), Gerald Dionysius (lead), Nik Pinto (drums) and Peter John Cutting (manager).
(C) *Peach Fuzz Forest Blog Posting:
"John was in the army and posted to Asia, where he hooked up with the band. The Valiants were an instrumental band until he arrived and added vocals, morphing them from **Indo-Rock to British beat. He wrote all the materials on this EP, although the band still sneaked in some twangs from their instrumental days.
John's wife was called Elaine (one song title) and came from Australia. He moved to Perth in the late 60s and formed Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Volunteers."
(D) Blog Comments:
1. Absolutely rare indeed, I wonder 'bout the other 2 tracks of the EP...
2. The other two tracks aren't as interesting, unfortunately! Pretty ordinary harmony pop.
3. Rare and great stuff, especially Running Wild; should've been an instant garage comp classic!
4. Very nice tunes!!! Rare and unique!!!
5. John Couzens looks like the singer in our rock band here in Perth around 1968/69. Does anyone know where John is at present?
Anyone know this band? Are they still around?
Edited article/Image: Andy Lim Collection.
*Information (b & c): http://peachfuzzforest.blogspot.com/
**Could be Pop-Yeh-Yeh since they were from Malaysia.
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