HUSTLER-PLAY LOUD-

This British outfit second release from 1975 perhaps brings all excisting elements together to pave the way for the NWOBHM to come. As this is a natural progress from their first album it also contains some less good passages but all in all this is a great record within the genre.

The production is flawless with a great dynamic soundframe and top notch interaction between the guitars/organs/ vocals and the steady rhythm section. The Hard/Boogie/Psych/Prog rock trademark of Hustler is just in it´s peak in this album with Little or nothing more to ask for. The experimental sounds and arrangements is on the razor´s edge and just barely falls through. As this record is driven to it´s edge in its genre it comes as no surprise that this outfit collapsed  working into their third album in 1978.

Whatabout the drummer, Tony Beard?? This fellow got great resemblence to Dave Holland( Trapeze, Judas Priest). A hard striking drummer with great striking abilities and a” Punchy” drive. The Dynamics are there but there are perhaps some lack in the technical department. This is not a bad sign because it fits this outfit like a glove. This is entertaining!! A Solid performance, great job!! 🙂

This album is somewhat a boiling pot with many styles, perfected into a Hard/Boogie/prog/psych rock album. As a stand alone record it won´t do but in a historical perspective this is the boost many needed for the forthcoming British Hard/heavy rock invasion of the World. A big thumbs up for that!!

Great copies are out there for taking and perhaps the value will rise some day due to the unrecognized part of making future bands great. This is not a bad album and to compare it to the dinosaur´s of 1975 is just unfair. This is not a major League album. This is an album to bring out at a Music quiz and shine with that extra knowledge you learn here at vinylanddrums….. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-