FREEWAY-RIDING HIGH-

This Australian outfit from Melbourne were a shortlived attraction in the beginning of the 1970´s. This is the only album and was released in 1975 and contains a rare mix of both R&b/hard/prog rock with an American soundframe.

The production is flawless thanks to Jim Keays who has done a great job. Everything´s in order and the vocals are great. The songs are strong even if the styles are varied, but that is not a disadvantage, A great car-album with strong highway taste..Splendid work!!

Thanks to good chartpositions in Australia the band got a smooth start but as time turned the band dissolved soon after this release with no further fuzz. The members  were scattered to others acts in yhe Australian musicscene. Guitarist Peter Lynne became a TV host with a Sidekick in his bluesact “The Kingbee´s”

Whatabout the drummer, Frank Chic?? Mastering both vocals and drums there is not muc more to bring to the table. Avarage technique and a bit hesitating in the delivery department this is just a monday morning job for the rest of us. Sorry…

The record itself is a curios on/off Product with terrific sound and strong songs that easily could be mistaken for an American ripoff to the Allman´s Brothers at sometimes. But it´s charming and great in all departments. Not for every one but sure a great album to impress the recordcollector friends. Great copies are out there but it is a rare album with a bit of high price tag on to it but it could be Worth the Money due to to its rareness.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

FRIEDHOF-FRIEDHOF-

This German outfit popped up in the beginning of 1970 and their only release came in 1971. A hard mix of Prog/psych/krautrock/proto rock left the band unnoticed at the time and soon they vanished into obscurity.

This is a though album to get a grip upon, the production sounds like a sewerpipe with bad sustain and terrible interaction between instruments. Yet it is a personal audioframe that delivers strange and unheard melodies from the time period. My first impression was “Oh a mental institution having a blast” but after a couple of spins on the turntable, you can actually get some kind of grip of the songs. Friedhof translates into graveyard and that is just what this band aims for. Dark, gloomy presence and maybe a hint of Tony Iommi style riffing on the guitar. All songs are instrumental and as a background spinning you tend to swing your mood in favor of some of the songs. With title´s like “Orgasmus” “undertaker´s song” and “Setting sun” I think you get the Picture that this isn´t a lovers album.

Whatabout the drummer, Rainer Bartl?? Well this guy is certainly out in the Woods sometimes but there are some signs of progression and interaction amongs a few tunes. Nothing to put on social media as a brainchild Discovery. In my opinion the weakest link.

I can understand finding a better drummer to this material must have been  “finding the Holy Grail” kind of task. So, better than nothing this guy have to do. Not impressed.

This album serves only one purpose and that is if you are really looking for obscurity from the 70´s and thought you Heard it all. Nothing for us that really likes Music in a more arranged way and with melodies. But it is a funny record to benchmark as a real oddity. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

2-CRAP-A DISAPPOINTMENT-

MEAN MACHINE-LIVIN´OUTLAW-

Due to the popularity and expansion of the Death Metal genre it is a bit difficult to find new and exciting bands who hold the torch of speed/hard/boogie rock alive and burning.

Released in 2014 this spanish outfit from Barcelona could be the answer to our prayers. A bold mix between Motorhead and Gun´s  & Roses with a good portion of seasoning that includes both AC/DC and MC5. This album is not for the faint of heart. Full throttle songs, fast and furious, with a splendid producing and great interaction between the members of the band. Powertrio´s are Always gonna be the best sign of determination in musicstyles, with an all in all mindset to get the most out the Music. These guys do the job in just that way. Terrific!! 🙂

Guitarist Juan Pedro Quesada really knows his way around the fretboard with an impressive drive and soloskills. Bass and vocalist Raúl Mesa got a great resemblence of the lovechild between Axl Rose and Lemmy Kilmister.  A personal and itchy voice that suites this outfit like a glove. The furios tempo and great attitude brings back great memories from early Motorhead records…Happy as a judge in a wet T-shirt Contest..:-)

Whatabout the drummer, Marc Tapiés??  The thing that strikes me is the resemblence towards Phil Taylor of early Motorhead, a Little rough around the edges but furious drive and rockhard striking with no Dynamics at all.

A true rock´n´roll drummer, the European way. The snaredrum hits you like Mike Tysons right hand fist and there is a steady drive to the end, no compromise!!! YES this it the shit!!! 🙂

This album does not fit every party or fancy dinner occation and this album has only one purpose. A beerfuelled gathering with good friends and a descent Equipment to play LOUD!! Give me feedback who wins the headbanging Contest… 🙂

This album was selfreleased but there are good copies out there(CD) and why not invest in a rare to become Classic. The benefit is that no one else got the album.. Party on!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

BULLET-THE ENTRANCE TO HELL-

This rare release from 2010 was compiled by Guitarist/vocalist John Du Cann´s watchful Eye, as its been locked away for nearly forty years and finally let out in the open.

Both John Du Cann and drummer Paul Hammond formed Bullet after a succesful period in Atomic Rooster and as they joined forces with John Gustafson on bass the Foundation of a “supergroup” was eminent. This release is just the recordings Before the band was signed to Purple Records and later on had a change in name to Hard Stuff.

From the remix and restoration of the soundtapes from the original recordings, you get the Picture how much more Heavy/funky/prog this outfit was compared to Atomic Rooster. The future story as follows, under the name Hard stuff and their excellent debut Bulletproof, is just a natural progression of this record. The production is great, songs are strong with almost no wear of time. Splendid.

Whatabout the drummer, Paul Hammond?? As an experienced drummer with Heavy touring behind his back this is a selfconfident man behind the kit.Excellent delivery and perfect striking abilities. Great Dynamics brings joy to your ears and there are things to Catch up on. Exciting and fun!! 🙂

If you´re a Heavy/hard/funky/prog/rock connoisseur this album is right up among the best. This is a great purchase but to bad, not available on vinyl(yet). For the rest of all you musiclovers out there just step up and buy Hard Stuff´s debut album”Bulletproof”. Same crew and a true rock album Classic. A sincere recommendation.:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

CALIFORNIA BREED-CALIFORNIA BREED-

In the afterburn of the Black Country Communions crash, Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham teamed up with guitarist Andrew Watt and released this album in 2014. A great album that has the taste of 1969 or 1987 or 1994.. An exciting blend of great rock`n`roll songs which was to good to be true.

The album focus on Prog/Hard/psych mix with phenomenal playing from each and everybody. Glenn Hughes is on fire both in bass playing and in the vocal department. Guitarist Andrew Watt is the glue that keep this powertrio from makin the famous “supergroup” failure, a much better fit than Joe Bonamassa in my opinion. The producing from Dave Cobb is flawless. The album has a soundframe that reminds of late 70´s hugh production with lot of sustain and air in it. Splendid work.

Whatabout the drummer, Jason Bonham?? Well like father, like son, Jason is trying to outplay his father on this album. As the production is faboulus, this is a real toetapper sometimes and the delivery is great. As Always good Clean striking, great Dynamics and a kind of new selfconfidence I´ve never Heard from Mr.Bonham Before. Mindblowing!

You really need to buy this album due to the dissolvment of the band in 2015. There´s no way Another album like this is gonna get in your way. Great mint conditions are out there for no Money at all. An Investment!! And it sounds good too!!  🙂

Oh by the way..PLAY LOUD!!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

THE HELLACOPTERS-HIGH VISABILITY-

Sometimes a recommendation is to be taken seriously and this is one of those rare moments. Released in 2000 and originate from Stockholm Sweden, this the fourth and top notch album by The Hellacopters. A great mix with both Classic songs with excellent flavour of the 70´s and great resemblence of Kiss, Aerosmith and punk attitude from the timeperiod. And the recommendation? Don´t drive and play this album UNLESS you have a deathwish…Hazardous!! 🙂

Childhood friends Nicke Andersson and Kenny Håkansson started up the band together with drummer Robert Eriksson and Backyard Babies guitarist Dregen. A change of members took Place until  Guitarist Robert Dahlqvist completed the setting of the most succesful part of The Hellacopters.

This album is just great produced and top notch songs makes it one of the best rock album from Sweden ever. Stand out tunes would be “Hopeless case of a kid in denial””Toys and flavours””Heart without a home” but no song falls off the wagon. Just brilliant!!

Whatabout the drummer, Robert Eriksson?? You just have to surrender to this man and his playing style. Fabulous drive, great impact, good Clean striking and a furious attitude.

This is a record you just wish you have played on.Everything is just pushed to the edge and the best thing of all, it was even better live…An out of this World experience.. 🙂

If you´re into hard/prog/punk/rock ´Music with the sound stuck in the 70´s this is a must have record. Vinylcopies are out there but prices are high( four figures) so maybe you can pursue someone to let you have it for a friendly price because its Worth it…every penny!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-8-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES COLLISION WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN-

STRAY DOG-STRAY DOG-

Released in 1973 this outfit originated from Texas US but soon relocated to Denver Colorado where they grow hugh.

A collaboration between Snuffy Walden and Greg Lake ended up in this debut album that leaves no one untouched. Howling mercy, Wood fit the description at best..A mix between psych/hard/blues rock gives the album a personal and uncompared status among american albums from this timeperiod. The production is great with a warm distinctive tone and freshness. Interaction between vocals and guitar are perfect and just plain wonderful. The Bass guitar could have been brought in yesterday…divine sound.. 🙂

Standout tracks would be”Tramp” “Chevrolet” and “Rocky mountain suite” but no songs falls under the radar. This a competent bunch of tunes. Brings a big Smile on to your face! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Les Sampson?? This is drumming at full throttle with great Dynamics, Clean striking and an “asskicking” attitude. I would rate this as one of the greatest achievments from an american drummer from this time period. Just loads of stuff to bring back to the rehearsal room..Fabulous!! 🙂

This is a must record to have, just as wonderful as the sleevecover. Nothing to reveal that this is a top one hundred album from 1973. It can be yours for no Money at all and  as this is Music way Before its time the copies are rarly played very hard. A win/win situation! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD-GAME, SET AND MATCH-

ABRAMIS BRAMA-RUBICON-

This release from 2005 and I would say you have to look under buried treasures department for this one, Abramis Bramas (Latin for carp bream), fourth album really hits the Nail. Sluggish Classic rock with flavour of prog/psych/stoner gives this album a standout position in Swedish rock history.

Originated from Stockholm this four piece(sometimes 5 piece) band have developed into a mystery machine of native language and Mike Tyson right hand fist in your face, riffiola. It is very hard not to enjoy, toetapping or maybe headbanging with airguitar moves along the way.Nothing fishy, just a really good record! 🙂

Vocals by Ulf Torkelsson reminds in someway about Cris Cornell and the bass player Dennis Berg just interacts fantastic with the drummer Fredrik Jansson. Guitars are Heavy as led and the production lacks of nothing. A Splendid job. It´s interesting to hear similarities between Graveyard and Abramis Brama though Graveyard is almost a decade later in popularity…Talk about forerunners.. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Fredrik Jansson?? This is not the first time I mention him on this blog. Fredrik is a powerhouse drummer with excellent striking and delivery. His weakness lays in Dynamics and nothing wrong with that. This outfit does not rely on soft passways so the overall impression is just great. He is now serving the drums in the Band”Lugnet” another great rock band from Sweden.

If you´re into Stoner/psych/prog/hard rock this is a true gem in the album heaven. Live shows are furious events that Always tops the album recordings. This is a must have album and most for the reason to compare to other great acts in the stoner arena. Put your  hard earned cash up for a copy. You won´t get disappointed.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-8-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES COLLISION WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN-

SCORPION CHILD-SCORPION CHILD-

Another dive into the wonderful 80´s sound with a great flavour of the 70´s to go along. Released in 2013 this outfit originates from Austin Texas.

With Heavy influences from Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie and Free this album do have a great personality due to vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black. An important personal voice and drive to the performance. The album is top notch produced through Chris Smith, who brings out a great interactive passage with guitar and the rhythm section. A splendid job.

A Blues/krautrock/psych/hard rock blend is the most categorized style resemblence, but yet not to much of a 70´s copy cat band.  The release of this album brought attention from the Music industry and several chart positions boosted that interest like a Texas twister. In february 2015 rhythm guitarist, Tom Frank and drummer, Shawn Alvear left the band . A New heading for the band was to bring in a keyboard player, AJ Vincent. Standout tune would be “The Secret Spot” and “Polygon of Eyes” No song falls of the wagon but there are scattered showers on the album.

Whatabout the drummer, Shawn Alvear??? Well this is a rock battered slugger with good striking and serious delivery. Technical?? Well not much to bring home to the kitchen table but all in all an avarage perfomance. The lack of drive and pushing is eminent and does not favor the album.

This is an album for all suckers for 70´s hard rock with /Blues/krautrock/psych in forefront of the songs. A great rockalbum but it has its limits on the song variations. Not necesserily a must have record but Worth exploring.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

RUBY THE HATCHET-VALLEY OF THE SNAKE-

As I dig in to the great Stoner/doom/blues/psych era of 2010´s much of my surprise is the rerun of ´70s sound and heaviness. Released in 2015 this outfit originates from New Jersey US and has been relocating to Philadelphia later on. This is their second release and a deeper dive into the Stoner/blues/doom rock sound they have been exploring through constant touring.

The band features guitarist Johnny Scarps, drummer Owen Stewart, bassist Mike Parise, and keyboard player Sean Hur, and is trademarked by the personal, dynamic vocalist Jillian Taylor.The producing is just top notch for the genre and the perfect mix between guitar and vocals grow on you, just like a snakebite! Impressive work. The bass/drum cooperative is as good as the next on but doesn´t stand out in any way. Songs are strong but a bit “avarage” and with a resemblence of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Some taste of Pentagram is also hinted here. A good album but a bit anonymous.

There are many bands in the same swimming pool such as; Electric Citizen, Asteroid, Vidunder, Horisont, Kadavar and so on..The thing is this: It will take endurance and good managing to get through the competition. There is no short on talent but as I wrote erlier, there will be a thin line not to be labelled “A rerun” from the 70´s.

Whatabout the drummer, Owen Stewart?? A cutios fellow with great timing and good Clean striking. Nothing to Copycat back to the rehearsal room but a good sense of drive together with the bassplayer. A Perfect fit for this album.

If you are into Stoner/doom/blues/psych rock this one´s right up your Alley. For the rest of us its Worth exploring but due to the explosion of the genre in public, you might find some other favourite out there. Take time and investigate!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-GOOD!-WORTH EXPLORING-