STYLE: Hard Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10243-16883 vinyl LABEL: Myrrh MYR1107 FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
The self-titled debut album helped establish the band on the UK scene after their previous EP had acted as a suitable introduction. Formed in 1978 in Stockport, the peak of the band's live achievements was as a headline act at Greenbelt '83. In the mainstream they held their own in a national battle of the bands competition and became known as the UK's finest Christian exponents of metal. This 1981 set is produced by Norman Barratt who did a good job capturing the band's best songs. It's obvious from the opener "Back Street Driver" that these guys were hugely influenced by early AC/DC riffing rock. There's even a tribute song to the band's late singer Bon Scott called "The Loner". 100% Proof acquit themselves pretty well here and in Charlie Wilson's lead guitar work, solid rhythm section and unashamedly Christian songwriting, the whole package was pretty powerful! Highlights include the rocking wig-out "Freedom" and the bouncy "Mid Morning Blues". This album was built so strongly on the AC/DC template that the guys could have made a good living on the side as a tribute band! For its era, this is a seminal piece of early '80s rock from a band unafraid to nail their colours to the mast and ROCK!
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