SQUAWK

A Roger Dean art sleeve that ensured that I checked this band out in the 70's. Normally it would be music first, the artwork second but not so with the 70's decade of vinyl where in many respects the artwork was a reasonable indicator of what was instore. Squawk is a fair album that holds up it's own in providing some traditional blues rock with some storming vocals from Burke Shelley. Rodger Bain again produces their second album. ' Whisky River' does the band no favours and is a poor opener not really going anywhere, however the album improves a notch with ' Rocking Man' Excellent bass and lead guitar work lending to some very entertaining listening.' Rolling Home Again' is a short Beatles pastiche which leads into the mellow and dreamy like ' Make Me Happy'. Some nice soft touches from Burke Shelley again. It is worth mentioning that Shelley can sing really hard Rock songs but is equally adept when it comes to soft delicate soulful vocals. Check out ' Bottled' for some great slide guitar but the highlight is next being ' Young Is World'. Some excellent mellotron introducing Shelley's soulful voice on arguably the epic track off Squawk and the most progressive too.' Stranded' plays out the album on a bit of a downer but great musicianship as always. This is not as strong as their debut and there was better work to come from Budgie but it is still good stuff and if you are a vinyl enthusiast, then the cover is a must have. Two and a half stars.