Lovers of Atomic Rooster music back in the 70’s, were probably synonymous with those groups of fairly long haired, smoking, dour looking youths sat in the dark corner at parties. Occasionally looking up to try to catch a glimpse of the attractive girl across the room, they knew they never stood a chance. She would be heading off to dance to Ride a White Swan in the next room with your best friends mate from the Grammar school, who, of course, you instantly disliked. Meanwhile the Rooster fans would light up another and dip their heads to another heavily moody offering.
Before grungy became grunge, there is an unmistakable sound to Rooster. It is variously described as Psych or heavy rock. I would suggest it sits, almost uniquely alone, somewhere crossing both divides; and perhaps neither. Paul Hammond provides the drive with a distinctive drum sound underpinning every track. It is clear, concise and whilst Crane’s organ overlays and in many ways dominates to the point of giving Rooster their unique sound, it’s the consistent drive from Hammond that gets each track from beginning to end.
There aren’t any stand out tracks on here for me. They are all consistently brilliant. On vinyl it brings each, separate element together beautifully, giving the listener the benefit of appreciating the greater good of what is a fine third album from the Rooster.
