TREVOR RABIN – S/T [Air Mail Archive Japan miniLP remastered] Out Of Print

As requested, here’s another hard to find, sold out TREVOR RABIN album; his solo debut “Trevor Rabin [Japan miniLP digitally remastered]“. This is the only remastered reissue – done by Air Mail Archive Records – of this really good album from ex-Yes guitarist / composer / producer.

Before there was Yes’ mainstream hit “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” there was just Trevor Rabin. He had gotten his professional start in the South African band Rabbit, then he decided it was time to go solo.
Simply titled “Trevor Rabin”, the LP was originally released in South Africa on RPM Records. But then an English manager got really interested and secured a contract / distribution with major label Chrysalis Records.

Here a young Rabin rocks with energy, where you can hear a clear Eddie Van Halen influence not only in his way of playing – sharp rhythm guitar, hammer-ons and punchy solos, but also the songwriting approach: power rock&pop melodies wrapped by a ‘heavy’ sound production.

There’s also others influences present, like the Scholz-Boston-like ‘Getting to Know You Better’ with a stadium / arena feeling, driven by a so catchy riff that refuses to be ignored, and the whole song is chock full of hooks and ‘turn me up’ cues that don’t quit.
‘Finding Me A Way Back Home’ has a bit of Styx in its wonderful melodious line, however Rabin develops it into his distinctive style. Btw, the solo kills.

A crazy guitar work dominates ‘Live A Bit’, and to mention other influences, I hear some Queen drama on the superb ‘Fantasy’, and even a Beatle-esque melody on the beautiful piano ballad ‘Painted Picture’.
AORish waves appear in ‘Stay With Me’ (reminiscent of New England), the dynamic rocker ‘Red Desert’ has some Angel / Giuffria, while closer ‘Love Life’ rocks again while showing some of the style he would expand later with Yes on 90125. Please check the solo, it’s insane.

Already a skilled musician at the time of this recording, Rabin showcases his ability to craft brilliant arrangements, wrapped around rock-solid heavy guitar riffs and heart-pounding rhythms.
A sinful lack of promotion from Chrysalis kept this LP from being discovered by more than a few people, but it’s wonderful to see the artist’s seminal work getting another chance through this remastered reissue by Japanese label Air Mail Archive, the best version you can get, at least if you find an expensive used copy.
Highly Recommended

Air Mail Recordings / Archive ～ 『 AIRAC-1289 』

01 – Getting To Know You Better
02 – Finding Me A Way Back Home
03 – All I Want Is Your Love
04 – Live A Bit
05 – Fantasy
06 – Stay With Me
07 – Red Desert
08 – Painted Picture
09 – Love Life

Trevor Rabin – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards
Kevin Kruger – drums, percussion
Godfrey Rabin (Trevor’s father) – violin

Out Of Print
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/DAKAIRAC-1289