The NWOBHM movement threw up a whole host of wannabe bands that saw an opportunity to further their careers by attaching themselves to it. I always thought The Handsome Beasts were a bit of a joke, and the cover of this their first album did nothing to change my mind as it features frontman Gary Dalway attempting to have relations with a pig. Yup, they didn’t have the best image that’s for sure.
The tunes are mostly heavy blues workouts with very sparse production, and yet they do have a somewhat endearing quality to them. I look back fondly on this period of music in the UK as it was a fun time to be around with new bands appearing constantly. Breaker is my favourite track of the bunch. It’s the one track that feels like a NWOBHM tune with attitude alone. I think they are back doing the rounds and good luck to them.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
