Hard working mid 70s hard rock trio Strife built up a strong live reputation, soon becoming the support band no-one wanted to follow. Material from their 1975 debut Rush (Timeline TLCD002 (36:29)). highlights how good they were.
With touches of Jethro Tull in some songs, the band drove hard rhythms with searing guitar mixing melodies with solos.
Guitarist John Reid and bassist Gordon Rowley shared vocals to good effect. Man Of The Wilderness is a stand out track and has to have influenced Iron Maiden. ****
Second and final Strife album Back To Thunder (Timeline TLCD001(35:24)) was originally released three years later following a label hiatus, and featured Dave Williams replacing drummer Paul Ellson, and a guest appearance from pianist Don Airey.
With track lyrics and a first time appearance on CD, it'll please fans and more, it's a strong, hard, fast and influential rock album with progressive leanings. ***½
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
