WATERFALL

IF were a Jazz Rock band from the UK who formed in 1969 and broke up in 1975. They did make a comeback album in the 10s. Generally they were a seven piece band with two horn players, getting tagged with brass rock by many for the blasting horns ala CHICAGO, LIGHTHOUSE and BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS. Thankfully they keep those horns in check here, it's more of an added flavour, but it's definitely a thing. The music is either commercial sounding with vocals, or all instrumental which is far more satisfying.

So very much a hit and miss affair. And a reminder of a time when bands would sometimes release a different album in America than they would at home. So this is "If 4" also released in 1972, but with two tracks swapped out. Some of this is live as well. Although the crowd seems way too amped up for the music(haha). The two songs that open the album are "Waterfall" and "The Light Still Shines, and both are upbeat, energetic pieces that feature plenty of vocals. Commercial sounding songs that start this record off on the wrong foot in my opinion.

Now "Sector 17" is a different story as we get my favourite track that is all instrumental and has a lot of guitar in it. "Print Your Pictures" isn't bad. They slow it down with vocals here but the instrumental break that is guitar led is really good. "Cast No Shadows" opens with some appreciated flute fluttering over top before the vocals take over. Horns though will come to the fore here often during the 7 1/2 minutes. The drummer gets a chance to show off a little as well. I love the guitar solo starting before 5 minutes. The closer "Throw Myself To The Wind" is a cool little piece. The vocals have character here. I like it.

IF were a band who carved out a nice little career for themselves. They were very active from 1970 to 1975 releasing eight studio albums, even if this one was more or less a duplicate of "If 4". And they toured constantly. They just never hit the big time though. A very talented band regardless.