After the first two albums were recorded as a traditional three piece, this album denoted the first change with the departure of drummer Niko McBrain to Maiden, and the introduction of a second guitarist with the arrival of Pat Thrall, and the legendary Tommy Aldridge joined on the pots and pans. This album is a step forward and was a more concerted effort to break into the US market.
The title track is a typical PT groove rocker with a great riff and killer playing. Killer Instinct has a more funky vibe and is a very American sounding track with big layered harmonies. I Tried To Believe is an ok track that is lifted somewhat by a great solo and killer tone. Hammerhead closes out Side 1. PT puts one of these killer instrumentals on most of his albums and this one one is awesome. Superb guitar sound and great playing.
Side 2 kicks off with the title track and it has that groove that PT could always lock into. Evie is the only track that has all outside writing credits, but Pat sings his ass off on this track. The second instrumental of the album follows with Prelude, and is a more laid back track than Hammerhead with lots of duel guitar harmonies. The album ends with One For Me And One For You, and is as close as PT gets to a ballad. You forget how good Pat is as a singer, and this track shows just how good he is.
Pat was on a run of great records with this album and it’s a great addition to anyone’s collection.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
