Sunblind Lion - Observer. 1976 USA

Sunblind Lion were a band from eastern Wisconsin who played a familiar type of music from the Midwest region - that of progressive rock mixed with FM radio sensibilities. Likely they were geared toward the former, but to earn a living they mixed in the latter for both club gigs and the rare chance they might get "discovered". All things considered, Sunblind Lion were one of the more successful bands at this racket, and managed a nice 3 album run. And based on supply and demand economics, it would appear their privately made debut album sold quite well in the local market, given the sheer amount of product that is still available.

The album opens fantastically with the hard driving Kansas styled 'Ride the Wind', with riffing guitars, heavy synthesizers, and ripping organ. Things break down quickly with the club pleasing boogie rock of 'Cat Eyes' and is best skipped over. 'Jamaican Holiday' was their choice for a single, and a good one. Mostly a very pleasant synthesizer lead commercial rock track that is well composed. But unfortunately some of the breaks have that honky-tonk boogie of a Bachman Turner Overdrive. Groan.

Fortunately from here on out, the theme is more progressive than commercial. '(Make It) Another Day' will also remind one of mid 70s Kansas combined with a bit of southern rock ala The Allman Brothers. 'Games of the Lonely' has a very strong synthesizer presence, and could have also been a hit FM rock track of the era. 'Spring Essence' is the most purist of the progressive rock tracks here, and proves Sunblind Lion could have released a masterpiece of the style had they chosen. The 11 minute epic that closes the album is of course more of the same, though not quite as dynamic and takes awhile to get rolling. But once it does, it's superb.

Overall, Sunblind Lion are yet another excellent example of the type of quality material coming from the American heartland of the 1970s. Strong album for fans of the style, but maybe only to them (us).

Personal collection
LP: 1976 Homegrown

A surprisingly easy album to find and relatively inexpensive. I've known about this album for years (and had heard it), but just now got around to buying it. Sealed no less.

Perhaps even more surprising, the band released this on CD back in 1997 to an audience of no one it would appear. Having been a hardcore progressive rock CD buyer back then, I do not recall it ever being offered for sale. Discogs' shows an ownership of zero, yet the CD is clearly scanned and must exist. Definitely rarer than the LP!

May 29, 2019 update: And I now have acquired the CD. Very basic reissue with 2 bonus tracks. Single card front, but with nice textured cardboard.