STRIKER (USA) – Striker (reissue 2015)
STRIKER was an American combo from Seattle, Washington, which sole album (self-titled, 1978) largely deserve an official remaster. Until this happens, an obscure bootleg label has released the album on CD, transferred from vinly, yes, but really well done.
Originally known as Randle-Rosburg, the group became Striker in the mid-seventies and was amongst Seattle’s leading hard rock bands of the era. The group was soon signed by a major label (Arista) and recorded & released their debut in 1978.
Their style was pretty ahead of its time, blending classic hard rock with some melodic rock twist that would become popular on FM radio two years after.
Think Legs Diamond, The Babys (John Waite), some of New England, and why not, a bit of Angel (Giuffria).
‘Think About It’ is an extremely contagious opener with a catchy guitar work, smooth vocals and some synth flourishes. ‘Midnight Flyer’ is more midtempo, melodic and with lovely harmony vocals.
Striker add acoustic guitars on the dynamic ‘Wish’, while ‘More Than Enough’ rocks with a fine swaggering riff. Then ‘Hard On Me’ is an edgy blues tinged rocker in the mould of early Legs Diamond. All very ‘American’.
Check carefully the main riff of ‘On My Way’… holy cow, this is exactly the same used later by Def Leppard for their hit ‘Photograph’!
‘Hard On Me’ has some Aerosmith on it, then the style changes completely in the Californian AOR of ‘By Your Side’, a smooth melodic piece that should have been ranked high on FM radio.
‘Running In The Wrong Lane’ returns to rock ‘n roll plenty of swagger complete with a bar-room piano and a hooky chorus, then the album ends ‘We Got The Power’ a rocker bringing to mind the very first Foreigner.
“Striker” is a lost little gem from the late Seventies US scene, and rocks with an energy and melody sure to appeal classic rock fans. Unfortunately, the group disbanded in 1980 with all members joining renowned acts, like vocalist and keyboard / guitar player Rick Randle being involved with the excellent band Bighorn.
Why this album hasn’t seen an official reissue on CD – or better, a remastering – is a mystery. But this bootleg fills the void with a very, very good sound quality.
Highly Recommended.
You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox
01 – Think About It
02 – Midnight Flyer
03 – Wish
04 – More Than Enough
05 – On My Way
06 – Hard On Me
07 – Somebody Help Me
08 – By Your Side
09 – Running In The Wrong Lane
10 – We Got The Power
Rick Randle – Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar
Scott Rosburg – Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Rick Ramirez – Lead Guitar
Rick Taylor – Drums
BUY IT !
www.metalpesado.com/mailorder/shop.cgi?id=41523
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