The Animals, thanks in large part to Eric Burdon's powerful, gritty vocals, were one of the most authentic-sounding rhythm and blues revival groups of the British Invasion. The band was also one of the few First Wave acts to make a successful transition from mainstream pop to progressive rock in the late 1960s. After becoming the top pop band in their home town Newcastle in 1962-1963, The Animals relocated to London in late 1963, where club dates and television appearances led to a record contract with British Columbia. And then came "The House of the Rising Sun".