COUNT ON DRACULA

This one is a pretty good hard rock album in the vein of Deep Purple (around "Burn") by them. I still prefer it to "Deal Done at Night" though not really anything interesting in terms of prog here. Typical for the year of release there are as well some of those inevitable disco/funk rhythms present which I use to dislike actually. Nevertheless an enjoyable listen after a rest in the shelf for a couple of years when I've got need for something nice and easy.

I'll round up my 2,5 to 3 stars!

The title track opens the (wet) fire. Sub-par hard to heavy rock song. I have never been over enthusiast over this band and I'm afraid that "Count On Dracula" is not really the type of album which will overwhelm myself with joy and musical (whatever else?) pleasure.

"The Rescue" and its electro beat has also little to offer. Almost seven minutes of the same (boring) stuff. Press nextT. I don't know if they chose the title of the next song on purpose, but "Sad Fan" is a great illustration of what a fan of the early days might feel when listening to this funky/heavy tune. Prog is not anyway near on this album; but during "Sad Fan", it is thousands miles away.

And the worse is still to come. One doesn't need to wait for long. The following soul/funky "Pick On Me" is truly awful. Only one option at this stage.If ever you would like to listen to how the band sounds while playing some reggae, "Caterpillar" is recommended. But frankly, it is very poor again.

The whole album is just a waste of time to listen to. Only some very good guitar notes save a very weak "Limelight". Vaguely "Santana" oriented. But not the great "Santana" of the debut, unfortunately.

Some good and heavy organ (à la Hensley) also comes at the rescue during "Witchhunters". One good minute, finally.

This album is not a good one, not even average. Mostly funky it really features very little quality tracks. I can't really think of something else than one star to rate it.