Strife – Rush 1975 (UK, Hard Rock)

Strife – Rush 1975 (UK, Hard Rock)

The debut album by this power trio from Merseyside. The band was formed in 1969 in Liverpool by drummer Paul Ellson, guitarist Peter Trotman, and bassist Peter Hobbs. Hobbs was soon replaced by bassist/vocalist Gordon Rowley, and in 1971, Trotman was replaced by guitarist/vocalist John Reid (ex-The Klubbs). The early 1970s saw the band plagued by tragedies: first, John Reid was involved in a car racing accident, then Gordon Rowley suffered a severe electric shock onstage… But all was well. In 1973, the band traveled to Los Angeles, where they were invited by Mal Evans, manager of Apple and former road manager for The Beatles. There, Evans introduced them to producer Richard Dean Taylor, with whom the band recorded a demo album. The William Morris Agency (which organized tours in the US) offered the band an offer to replace Grand Funk Railroad. But for some reason, Strife declined and returned to London. They signed a contract with Chrysalis Records and recorded the album Rush, released in early 1975 and charting in the Virgin (at the time, the Virgin charts were the main barometer of British rock music). The cover was created by Hipgnosis. The band toured with the Baker Gurvitz Army. Guitarist Vic Pappaleo soon joined the band, but the new quartet format didn't work out, and Vic left. The band continued to perform as a trio and gained new fans. But then Chrysalis Records hit a crisis... Still, the band released an EP called "School" on their own label, Outlaw, and then on EMI...

Tracks:

01. Back Streets Of Heaven — 0:00

02. Man Of The Wilderness — 3:16

03. Magic Of The Dawn — 7:44

04. Indian Dream — 11:16

05. Life Is Easy — 18:17

06. Better Man Than I — 21:09

07. Rush — 24:19 comprising:
a). People Running 'Round
b). More Haste, Less Speed
c). Final Fling


Personnel:

John Reid — lead guitar, harmonica, lead vocals
Gordon Rowley — bass, vocals
Paul H. Ellson — drums, percussion
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Richard Dean Taylor – producer


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