Record Reviews

STEPPENWOLF ~ SLOW FLUX / HOUR OF THE WOLF ACADIA 8109 (Barcode: 805772810921) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2006 This is a reissue of the ninth and tenth albums by the great American Rock band SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, led by the German born charismatic vocalist / songwriter John KayFind albums by this artist. These two albums were recorded after the band was inactive for a couple of years, during which Kay released his two solo albums ("Forgotten Songs & Unsung HeroesFind albums with this title" and "My Sportin` LifeFind albums with this title"), and is therefore considered as a reunion effort (first of several to come later). Founding group members: keyboardists Goldy McJohnFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerry EdmontonFind albums by this artist are also present with bassist George BiondoFind albums by this artist and new lead guitarist Bobby CochranFind albums by this artist. McJohn was replaced by keyboardist Andy ChapinFind albums by this artist on the second album included here. "Slow FluxFind albums with this title" is an excellent effort in the best Steppenwolf tradition, with strong rockers many of which are stylistically similar to the band´s best earlier efforts. The refreshed lineup works well, the songwriting is strong and Kay´s vocals are vibrant and expressive as always. "Hour Of The WolfFind albums with this title" is less impressive, but it offers some new arrangement / production aspects, like the usage of brass, which present new facets of the band´s music, which are less Blues / Hard Rock oriented. Overall in retrospect these are still two strong albums by one of the best American Classic Rock bands, which managed to record two albums a year during the early years of its existence, before music on the whole slumped by the mid-1970s. Fans of the band should find this a most refreshing experience and a superb trip down the memory lane. Definitely worth investigation!

Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016

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