VARDIS – 100 M.P.H. ’79 Revisited (2026) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
Released in 1980 by Logo Records, VARDIS‘ debut album, ‘100 M.P.H.’, is now considered one of the milestones of the immortal NWOBHM. However, Vardis’ roots go back to 1977, when they formed in Wakefield under their original name, Quo Vadis. Now a collector’s item, the trio released their first 4-track EP, also titled ‘100 M.P.H.’, on Redball Records in 1979.
Now High Roller Record is releasing ”100 M.P.H. ’79 Revisited”, tha iconic 1979 EP with fully restored audio from the original master tapes, but also including other VARDIS very early recordings. There’s a 2-sided single from 1977, two singles from 1978, and other from the very early 1980, January.
The audio was restored and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at his Temple Of Disharmony. The CD version of includes exclusive versions of “Blue Rock,” “Dirty Money,” and “The World’s Insane,” recorded at Ohm Studios in July 1978.
While one of the most successful acts from the NWOBHM movement in 1980, musically VARDIS were more hard rock / boogie rock than heavy metal, a raw, kick ass power trio.
”100 M.P.H. ’79 Revisited” is a terrific collection of authentic, uncompromising rock n’ roll. It’ great to have that iconic EP and the rare early singles finally restored.
“This album represents our journey,” bass player Al Selway says. “From hopefuls to recording artists, plotting a course of licking stamps, building speaker boxes, wielding spanners and screwdrivers in greasy hands and endless late nights in motorway services after triumphant performances in all manner of venues, from grotty pubs with their sticky carpets to tour date rock clubs filled with denim, leather and shaking heads.
“It represents a friendship forged in a common goal: to progress and ultimately succeed. From a boy to a man, I grew up with this band, with these comrades, these songs.”
“With some inventive overdubbing of acoustic guitar, tambourine and double-tracked vocals plus my harmony vocals on the first recorded version of Blue Rock, we were beginning to explore arrangements and expand the band’s capabilities beyond our usual live loud straight- down-the-line three-piece boogie,” Selway completes.
Highly Recommended
01 – 100 M.P.H.
02 – Blue Rock
03 – Destiny
04 – The World’s Insane
05 – If I Were King
06 – Out Of The Way
07 – Dirty Money
08 – Situation Negative
09 – Rock’n’Roll Lullaby
BONUS TRACKS:
10 – Blue Rock
11 – Dirty Money
12 – The World’s Insane
Guitars – Vocals, Steve Zodiac
Bass Guitar, Piano – Al Selway
Drums, Percussion – Phil Medley 1-4
Drums, Percussion – Gary Pearson 5&6
Drums, Percussion – Paul Wadkin 7-12
BUY
www.target.com/p/vardis-100-m-p-h-79-revisited-cd/-/A-1010336512
