SUPERTRAMP

Supertramp. Before I was a fan of the band the mention of that name brought songs like Take The Long Way Home and Dreamer to mind. After delving into their discography and discovering this forgotten gem it's easy to see that the band was not always this way. A very interesting album considering the later stuff the band would put out, this album is much more ''proggy'' than people sometimes expect of the band. Driven by airy keys, a pumping bass, delicate and intricate guitar work which lingers well in the background and some very good vocals, this is an album which is unexpectedly excellent.

Evident right off the bat how the music is going to be, It's A Long Road follows the soft intro Surely with a bluesy riff before a single bass chord comes in to bring the song into a wonderful track full of clashing instruments and synths. The guitar riff drives the song very well until it comes to an end. Very blues in flavor, this track is a lot more progressive than a lot of people expect the band to be. Aubade is a much slower track, this time opening with some subdued synths. the guitar riff still propelling the music, this zoned out track fits quite well with Hodgeson's dramatic delivery.

Continuing with all the pressing bass and wonderful keys we move right along. Words Unspoken continues with the blues feel with a slick riff and melancholic bass riff. Maybe I'm A Beggar is Davies first foray into the vocal territories, taking the lead for some parts, his voice obviously not as trained as it will become with his course delivery (which actually works well for the song).

One of the most ''different'' songs on the album - Nothing To Show is actually quite something of a show as the band turns the knob to eleven for the first time. A quick paced song which is a very nice variation on the otherwise midpaced album. Heavy and pressing, this one is a definite standout.

Then a sight that's rare to see, a Supertramp song that goes beyond the ten minute mark. Try Again is a well done track that unfortunately shows that the band needs some more time to develop. Effective use of near silence is a bit over played in this track but thanks to the rest of the song that's easily forgivable. Paying very close attention though reveals some almost hidden guitar noodling in the background which really could have been brought forwards more (even if it does as it flies into some winding solos). It's too bad that the Tramp didn't attempt more stuff like this until Fool's Overture, because that would have been some cool stuff.

A nicely rough and very different debut from these proggers. This one gets an easy 4 stars, it's an excellent album which would later be topped by the likes of Crime Of The Century. Maybe not the place to start with the tramp it's still recommended to everyone who wants to hear some good music. For Tramp fans, this is a must.

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