THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: gamma

GAMMA – 3

May 11, 2022 /

This is the last of the original three albums released at the beginning of the 80’s. There was a Gamma 4 album released in 2000, but the vibe was a lot different. This album was perceived by the critics to be the worst of the three, mainly due to the fact it was more keyboard orientated than the first two. Ironically, the fans and the general public didn’t think so, as the band’s biggest hit, Right The First Time, was on this record. It took a while for me to appreciate this record, as I too believed the reviews with the too much keyboard nonsense, but I think Ronnie was ahead of the curve here.

There are some really great pop rock tunes on offer here, and there were better choices for a single like Stranger, or Modern Girl . Both of these tracks have a better melody and hook that mirror the musical environment of the time. Mobile Devotion is my favourite track. It mixes the hard rock of previous albums perfectly with that eighties electronic vibe, and the ending kills. I love Davey Pattinson’s vocal tone, and his voice fits the music like a glove. I also think Ronnie is at his most melodic on this album as the solos’s are just perfect for the songs. A forgotten gem amongst Ronnie’s body of work.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GAMMA – 2

May 17, 2021 /

Out of the three original albums, if I’m pushed, I would say this is my favourite as the songs are more consistent – although it’s a hard decision as I love the first one as well. In true Ronnie fashion, he had doubts about the band and would call it a day with them after the next record – just like he did with Montrose. A shame, as I thought the band were flying.

This album is all about Ronnie and vocalist Dave Pattison. It is noticeable that the keyboards are featuring more, and would be very prominent indeed on the next record. The first two tracks are stone cold classics: Mean Streak and Four Horseman rock hard with great riffs, killer vocals, and some really tasty guitar. Dirty City is next and I think it was released as a single – its the most commercial track so far. With a nice atmospheric intro it leads into a very 80’s keyboard main riff mirrored by the guitar. Close out track to Side 1 is Voyager, which has a very laid back groove, awesome melody, and superb vocals from Davey.

Keyboards again start off Side 2 with the intro to Something In The Air, which is a cover of the Thunderclap Newman tune – its a great take on the original. Cat On A Leash is an awesome tune with Ronnie dropping fills in every spare gap he can. This track is definitely all about Ronnie, and the middle section with the dropped down groove is just sublime. Skin And Bone is a slower paced track with a heavy riff and Davey sings is ass off. Mayday is the last track and closes out the record. Its the fastest song on the album, and once again, it’s the Davey and Ronnie show. A great album and would sit well in any rocker’s collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GAMMA – 1

March 18, 2021 /

I assume everyone has heard of Montrose and how they were touted as America’s version of Led Zeppelin. Well, after they imploded in late ’76, Ronnie toured as a solo artist before teaming up with Scottish singer, Davey Pattinson, to form Gamma. In Pattinson, Ronnie had a vocalist in the similar vain as Sam the Sham Hagar, but with a more soulful tinge to his voice. So the hard rockin’ tunes were nailed down, but now they had the option of doing more laid back grooves as well. Add to the that, the embracing of the synthesizer as a lead instrument, and the opportunities were endless for the band. This album sees more of a reliance on the rock element – with synths added for effect, but subsequent albums, especially the 3rd album, the keys would be more upfront.

The album kicks off with the excellent Thunder And Lightning, a great fast paced rocker with a great vocal and killer guitar. I’m Alive is almost a synth pop tune before it became fashionable. Razor King is another killer tune with a great melody and an almost Scottish feel at times – and some superb playing from Ronnie. Close out track on Side 1 is another great pop song, No Tears, with a great vocal from Davey. Awesome tune!

Side 2 starts off with the spacey instrumental Solar Heat. This shows how to use a synth within a rock band to great effect – emphasizing both synth and guitar and showcasing both. A very atmospheric opening piece. Uptempo rocker, Ready For Action, follows and this is what the band were really good at- foot to the floor hard driving tunes. Wish I Was is a killer blues based tune that highlights both Ronnie’s playing and Davey’s vocal range and feel. The synth led, Fight To The Finish, closes out the album in fine style with its dark brooding vibe. Again, more killer guitar from Ronnie – how sadly missed he is.

The verdict is in – it’s another great album and has aged a lot better than others from this era. Remember this was released in ’79 and was ahead of its time with its style and sound.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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