VERY 'EAVY...VERY 'UMBLE

Uriah Heep's debut is mostly raucous, boogie-woogie balls to the wall blues with the occasional shimmer of artistic nuance sprinkled in to the mix. For the most part, it's a very noisy, organ-driven experience, filled with hard hitting blues indicative of the era. It's never bad, and certainly authentic; one can hear the rattle of the snare drum vibrate to the group's amplifiers when Olsson isn't drumming. However, the songs are simplistic and not especially memorable. This is bar-band rock with a song or two that rise above.

Those familiar with the band's later, more polished albums, will hear the beginnings of a great heavy prog group hidden within. 'Eavy/'Umble will likely resonate with Heep fans, but be little more than a diversion for most, despite the great instrumental work. Two stars, though still fun thanks to the big solo wailing and vocal harmonies, and recommended to those working their way through Heep's library.

Songwriting: 2 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 3 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 3