ELECTRIC SAVAGE

Some time after COLOSSEUM broke up in 1971 drummer Jon Hiseman decided to resurrect the band under the name of COLOSSEUM II with all new members. There are three guys in this band who put on amazing performances during this album which was recorded live in studio by the way. First is drummer Jon Hiseman who is all over this album and he is a pleasure to listen to. Gary Moore the well known Blues guitarist from Ireland sounds better than i've ever heard him. He lights it up constantly but in a Fusiony style as opposed to his usual Bluesy way. And Don Airey on keys and synths is incredible. Actually during the song "Desperado" a guy came into the store while this was playing and asked me if I was listening to ELP. Thankyou so much to Tszirmay for recommending this album.

"Put It This Way" opens with quite the drum / guitar display, in fact this continues throughout.The guitar is ripping it up 2 1/2 minutes in. Great sound before 4 minutes as well. "All Skin And Bone" opens with some atmosphere then it kicks in before a minute. Some nice guitar solos come and go and the drumming is fantastic throughout.

"Rivers" is the only vocal track and it's provided by Gary Moore. Not a bad track and I like the second half of it better. "The Scorch" is synth led early and the sound becomes more intense before 2 minutes. It's more powerful before 3 1/2 minutes and we get some nice bass 4 minutes in. "Lament" becomes fuller with guitar 1 1/2 minutes in.

"Desperado" is an uptempo track although it does settle some just before a minute as contrasts continue. Some amazing keyboard work from Airey and he trades off with Moore later on. "Am I" is a relaxed tune as guitar comes in after a minute with some good prominant bass.Good song. "Intergalactic Strut" opens with fast paced and intricate drumming then the whole band joins in. Excellent keyboard and guitar work here. It settles with electric piano before 2 minutes. Great section as the guitar joins in with synths and bass. It picks back up a minute later. Nice.

BRAND X would be the band I think these guys most bring to mind. An excellent album.