MAX WEBSTER

Max Webster were a Canadian band perhaps best known for their Rush connection's - both bands came from Toronto, they toured together and shared the same record producer; Terry Brown. Unfortunately Max Webster wouldn't achieve the success of their fellow Canadian's despite releasing a string of very strong albums.

Their eponymous debut released in 1976 is a fine album with great musicianship, particularly the guitar playing from vocalist/frontman Kim Mitchell. Though their music had progressive overtones they weren't a prog band per se, though the clever arrangements and touches of quirkiness set them apart from the average heavy rock band at the time. Alongside the heavy rock they also displayed a keen ear for a strong melody which they would exploit more on future releases. Tracks like Toronto Tontos show the wackier side of the band - surely they had been listening to Frank Zappa while Blowing The Blues show them at their more melodic. Coming Off The Moon and Only Your Nose Knows captures them at their rocking best. They save perhaps the best for last. Lily is not only the longest track at just short of eight minutes but also the most progressive, the extra length giving them the opportunity to stretch out with some great playing and strong dynamics.

An excellent debut then which is as good as anything they released though follow up High Class In Borrowed Shoes is widely regarded as their all time best.