ATOMIC ROOOSTER

The first 'real' music I've heard all day..... This, Atomic Rooster's debut album, is a totally classic adventure into the 'progressive hard- rock' realm of music's development. Loaded with sinister lyrics (read between the lines...), but with some fantastic music to go with it all ; I've got to say that Carl Palmer is sounding great here, and no wonder why Emerson and Lake poached him from this band ; Greg (Lake) approached Carl and, quote, "It was Lake's unabashed enthusiasm and intensity that won Palmer over - "If you don't join this band, you're not only damaging yourself, but damaging me as well " says Lake, end quote. Vincent Crane is incredible as usual on the Hammond Organ, and their bassist/vocalist at this stage, Nick Graham, who eventually ended up in the great band, 'SKIN ALLEY", provides some appropriate Bass guitar, and a little lead guitar and vocals to the proceedings. I do not wish to ramble on for ages about each track on this record - all songs are strong, and I've not heard such a focused release produced with as much passion as this one, so I can only say that any prog-head MUST OWN this release. 5 star without question, even if a bit 'underground'. I really do stand by what I say...