Once the rather lame, introductory "Overture" gets out of the way, Locomotive throw all of their cards on the table by introducing the listener to a completely enjoyable smorgasbord of songs that cover many different styles and influences.
The first thing I detected from this bands songs was the tight control they exhibited over their arrangements and which add to the jazzy, psychedelic groove they are trying to promote. I am reminded somewhat of another band of a similar vintage called "The Greatest Show On Earth, whose album, Horizons was released on the Harvest label in 1970. Although this album was recorded between late 1968 and early 1969, it was not made available for general consumption until 1970 by which time musical trends had taken a different path.
Norman Haines who handles the keyboard department has a great control over his use of the organ as his style reminds me also of some of the better work by Colosseum and to a lesser degree, Atomic Rooster. Featuring some great saxophone courtesy of Dick Heckstall-Smith (Graham Bond Organisation / Colosseum), fans of Chicago's first and second album will feel right at home here as the one of the best attributes of this unknown gem is the rock solid brass and rhythm section which features on many of their songs. Although my promotional data is a bit scant, I believe I can also detect ex Traffic man, Chris Woods' influence on "Mr Armageddon" as I can hear a similarity to their classic song, "Mr Fantasy". Although I doubt if an influence is likely, the great grinding bass lines are very reminiscent of Jeff St John & The Copperwine's brilliant "Days To Come" from their Joint Effort album which is held in extremely high esteem in this household as the best psychedelic / rock / fusion album ever to be released by an Australian band.
Possessing the important ingredients that many bands of this era were able to exhibit, Locomotive blended a clever assortment of ideas that were fresh and interesting. Good song writing, being deemed far more important than excessive showmanship or instrumental dexterity, makes this a worthwhile listen for those who miss the vibes of the late 60's / early 70's. Vocally, the song, "You Must Be Joking" reaching into the highest register possible for a male singer is totally juxtaposed by the effect achieved on "Coming Down / Love Song For The Dead Ché " with its multi-part harmonies and grinding organ groove.
Although sounding a little dated compared to some other bands that were able to incorporate the use of the mellotron and an ensemble of synthesizers some years later, Haines and Co still deliver some funky and chunky songs that hold up exceptionally well on this long overdue reissue. Featuring no less than 6 bonus tracks, 2 of which have never appeared before on CD, listeners will be treated to over 60 minutes worth of great nostalgic sounds from a long-gone era when the songs spoke for themselves.
Track Listings:
1) Overture
2) Mr. Armageddon
3) Now Is The End – The End Is When
4) Lay Me Down Gently
5) Nobody Asked You To Come
6) You Must Be Joking
7) A Day In Shining Armour
8) The Loves Of Augustus Abbey – Part One
9) Rain
10) The Loves Of August Abbey – Part Two
11) Coming Down / Love Song For The Dead Ché
12) The Loves Augustus Abbey – Part Three
13) Time Of Light & Darkness
Bonus Tracks:
14) Mr Armageddon - (Mono single version)
15) There's Got To Be A Better Way
16) I'm Never Gonna Let You Go
17) You Must Be Joking - (Mono Single version)
18) Movin' Down The Line
19) Roll Over Mary
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
