Angel Air
1980/2011
Atomic Rooster formed in the 1969 and quickly set into knocking out albums. They were an early proto-metal time band. The heavy bits were scattered and there amidst funk bits and organ blasts. However there was enough fuzzed up chunks to lump them into the realm of early semi-metal acts. They put out five albums between 1970 and 1973 finishing the funk oriented "Nice n' greasy". Two years later they called is quits. Several years later guitarist/keyboardist Vincent Crane revived the act pulling guitarist/vocalist John DuCann back into the fold and they welcomed newcomer drummer Preston Heymon. This line-up knocked out the 1980 self-titled album. In 1980 other older acts like Black Sabbath and Budgie were re-inventing their sound to keep up with the times. Not the case there though because even though it was the 80's this new version of Atomic Rooster sounded like it was still 1972 and I mean that in good way. Many of the tracks are similar to Deep Purple style organ rock only with quirky vocals and less jams. I can't imagine a lot of fans of NWOBHM acts like Maiden and Saxon being thrilled by this album in 1980, but that's their loss. This was a solid slab of slightly off kilter heavy rock with enough bursts and odd ideas to keep it interesting. Certainly an overlooked album. This re-issue includes two bonus tracks. Definitely one of the better re-issues of the year so far.
I always liked Atomic Rooster even with their odd name leaving me scratching my head. Your right about this album being out of place in the early 80s. With the NWOBHM in full swing and 80's metal kicking up Atomic Rooster were out of place. Agree though that in no way was that a bad thing! These guys were weird but in a good way. Great review Mark spot on!
ReplyDeleteI have Nice 'n Greasy and that's great stuff too.
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