ALIVE (AS JEREMY MORRIS)

The debut album by highly prolific US multi-instrumentalist and composer Jeremy Morris is an intriguing little release in the artist's discography as such, and probably one of the more eclectic mainstream releases of the early 80's.

Going through the original tracks, three distinct influences dominate; Black Sabbath, Genesis and ELO - although for the last of these The Beatles could just as easily have been named.

So we're served heavy rockers with distorted riffs like Iommi and company made in the 70's, some symphonic compositions with layered keyboards and atmospheric guitars, and pop-based tunes with that special Jeff Lynne atmopshere to it; although with heavier guitars to it than ELO (or their main influence Beatles for that sake) ever used.

Jeremy's vocals have yet to get that distinct Beatles touch to it, at this time in his career sounding more like a mix of McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Sounds weird but works quite all right for this release.

There's nothing really special about this release though, but it's an interesting look at this artists start, and his talents as a composer does come across nicely now and then. Not a must buy production, but an interesting release to check out for the curious.