In a somewhat strange coincidence I was reading about this rare album and deciding I really ought to track it down when I was sent a copy of it to review as it has just been officially reissued by Talking Elephant. Recorded for Deram in 1971 it was produced by none other than Ian Gillan, and this reissue includes the original 9 songs, plus the single “Kamikaze Moth” and four songs which were remastered and released in 2009. The band at the time were a quintet featuring Bob Cooke (lead guitar), Bill Hinde (rhythm guitar), Paul Dean (bass), Ray Sparrow (drums) and Lynden Williams (vocals). Given when this was recorded, combined with the style of music they were playing, it is something of a surprise to see no keyboard player to be honest, as they are certainly influenced heavily by Uriah Heep although Ten Years After and even Free had a part to play when they move more into blues territory.
Unlike many rare records, this is something that is actually enjoyable to play, which is not always the case. It is, of course, incredibly dated, and it is of no surprise whatsoever to understand they were favourites on the live circuit sharing stages with the likes of shared stages with the likes of Black Widow, Humble Pie, Family, Supertramp, Rory Gallagher, and Purple themselves. They have a classic, blues-based, early Seventies hard rock sound with some nice guitar lines, but the drums in particular are often rather basic and there is the feeling that with the right management and guidance they might have been able to lift themselves further and it is somewhat surprising this was the only album. Talking Elephant Records have long had a reputation for releasing not only wonderful new albums but also making classics available again and there will be many who will seek this out now it is easily obtainable. Definitely for those who wish to travel back in time without having to spend a fortune to do so.
Rating: 7/10
