STARCASTLE

Today I remembered that USA have its moments on 70's Progressive Rock era (the only other name that came across my mind right now are the great Yezda Urfa). And I put the needle again on Starcastle first record from 1976.

Much is said about how much Starcastle has 'robbed' the Yes sound, and this is quite boring to read, cause ALL reviews in all possible websites says the same.

I'll not say contrary, cause yeah, we have a lot of Yes influences all around. But what people do not remember is that on 1976 Yes WASN'T playing any of this music anymore. So, really, I don't give a damn if they are 'thieves' or not, what I wanna say is, thanks for bringing some good sounds for a year that has no great albums to remember of.

I always loved this bass sound we have here, the old Rickenbacker with a pick in a medium- high range and Gary Strater deliver it, so bring'em. Maybe the only thing that can annoy me here from time to time is the weakness in the voice of Terry Luttrell, I like his voice, but sometimes is really clear that he need help to deliver a full vocal section, so yes, a lot of vocals, even if their style 'demands' a lot of vocals you can notice that.

And you have to admire the courage of a band that played around for 4 years before really could record an album, and had all their equipment ruined in a truck crash in which their guitar player Stephen Hagler had his back broken.

All in all an album that can be heard with a smile and the attention that good Prog Rock album deserves.