History:

The New Breed was a rock band based out of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The band consisted of Jim Mills on lead vocals and drums, Terry Brady on vocals and lead guitar, Augie Dietz on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Terry Calaman on bass guitar. It appears as though all members of the group were on the older side compared to their contemporaries. Members Dietz and Calaman (and possibly Mills) were in their mid 30’s during the group’s heyday. 

According to my research, all members of The New Breed besides Terry Brady were members of the VFW post in Carlisle. The band’s origins are unknown besides the fact they got together in the early 70’s and they all worked day jobs. These included a carpet salesman, print shop worker, contractor, and radio DJ. The group enjoyed moderate success playing live in the Carlisle region and eventually recorded an album. The album, titled “Many Moods Of New Breed”, was recorded at a studio in Maryland known as ITIRI. The music on the album was a blending of originals and soul covers. The album was produced by the band, arranged by Jim Mills, and featured a horn section consisting of Carlisle residents Chet Nace and Ed Strohm. During the recording, the members of the band experimented with compositions by taking up several unfamiliar instruments. Mills played organ on several tracks, Brady played drums on a tune, Dietz contributed some lead guitar parts, and their horn section played various percussion instruments on several tracks. 

The album was accompanied by the release of a single which lifted two tracks from the album. Both were released in 1972. The album sold very well locally and was common to find in Pennsylvania record and thrift shops back in the 90's and 2000's. Apparently the group won a contest to record a jingle for Pepsi though this may be just a rumor. As of now, it appears Brady is the only surviving band member. Terry Calaman and Augie Dietz both passed away in 2014. If the obituary I found is the same Jim Mills, he passed away in 2011. I have heard murmurs of a possible reissue or comp selection due to the album's newfound popularity. 

Review:

The Many Moods Of (1972, New Breed Records)

Rating: 8.5/10

This is a great straight up rock album. Nothing that will blow your socks off but it’s a very solid listen. I found it a bit derivative but overall they conduct their business well. “Mississippi Delta” is just a slower version of “Mississippi Queen”. The soul covers are quite boring and “Never Ending Song Of Love” doesn’t fit. However, “Unlock Your Mind” is really good, and “In The Wind” kicks ass. “Shotgun” is also pretty fun too. Solid drumming and vocals, some heavy fuzz and wah wah, and a great vibe overall.