DILLINGER

Semi-prog Canadian act formed in 1973 by two brothers, multi-instrumentalist Jacques Harrison and drummer Robert Harrison (later to perform with Offenbach), both coming from the Quebec area.The line-up was completed with guitarist Paul Cockburn and bassist Terry Bramhall, the band soon signed with Daffodil Records and released their self-titled debut in 1974, re-issued in 1998 in CD format by Unidisc.

The album opens with ''People'' in a very promising Classic Prog start, featuring a style split between complex Prog and organ-based Hard Prog with fiery guitar work, excellent organ runs and some beautiful symphonic-inclined flutes towards the end.GENESIS, VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, YES AND JETHRO TULL-influences are more than obvious in this very good composition.However the rest of the album never reaches this level.''City main'' is a commercial Hard Rock tune with decent guitar leads, only saved by a jazzy-influenced middle part.In a very short effort of just over 30 minutes, the cover of the classic Spririt track ''Nature's way'' (from the album ''Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus'') can only be regarded as lack of inspiration.Dillinger added a wind section to this cover, making it quite personal, but the idea of covering a track in such a short release can't be highlighted.The band closed the debut with the 17-min. ''Live and Return''.The ''Live'' part is decent guitar-based Fusion blended with classic Heavy Rock mannerisms and supporting organs with a somewhat dated sound and uninteresting multi-vocal parts, while ''Return'' opens with an organ jamming, soon to be followed by a totally needless and uninspirational long drum-solo, lasting over 3 minutes.

I wish the band would have kept the masterful sound of the opening track throughout the release, but I guess nobody (almost) is perfect.Mediocre album in general, where ''People'' shines through by far.Recommended only if you run over a cheap copy...2.5 stars.