IN FOR THE KILL!

I'm proud to be the first collaborator to give this one 4 stars. My music right here. BUDGIE were an honest, hard rocking band that appealed to the blue collar workers of the day. Much like RUSH's song "Working Man" from their self titled debut released the same year as "In For The Kill!" in 1974. That RUSH song resonated with the factory workers in the northern U.S.A. This is BUDGIE's fourth studio album, and vocalist Burke Shelley is in fine form as usual and his bass is upfront.

That rhythm sections moves the soundscape on the opening title track. Lots of energy. That continues with "Crash Course On Brain Surgery" before the laid back "Wondering What Everyone Knows". I like this one a lot. Strummed guitar, percussion and relaxed vocals. I like the double tracking of the vocals at times. The main attraction though is "Zoom Club" a ten minute track that could be their finest moment. This thing grooves and it's repetitive with vocal arrangements to die for. Influential? A little bit. We get teased for 1 1/2 minutes then they amp it up. Head banging time. Vocals just before 2 minutes belting it out. And we still have 8 more minutes. Come on!

"Hammer And Tongs" doesn't kick in until a minute and it has a SABBATH vibe but man that guitar just lights it up. Bluesy and down tuned. Great track. "Running For My Soul" sounds so good, the bass especially but the guitar leads all the way until the vocals arrive just after a minute. Uptempo and bluesy. "Living On Your Own" ends it and it's a top three with the title track and "Zoom Club". This one just sounds different. Positive, almost bright as vocals arrive. At 9 minutes, it's a ride. A ZEPPELIN vibe here. Like Page and Plant. The sun is out! Perfect way to end the record.

I rank this neck and neck with the previous years "Never Turn Your Back On A Friend", while their debut remains my favourite. A beautiful trio of albums.