We recently wrote about Sunblind Lion's debut Observer, and noted how it was an excellent blend of progressive and commercial rock. By 1978 the overall music world, especially here in the States, had moved away from prog. And so Sunblind Lion did as well, as to stay relevant in the game, and keep their slim hopes alive that they may hit the big time. Above & Beyond is the end result. The first eight tracks here are clearly geared for FM radio play, though nothing really stands out, which might explain why Sunblind Lion never got past the regional stage. Of course, like many bands with a progressive rock heritage, Sunblind Lion couldn't resist throwing a bone to its dedicated fan base, and ended with the two part 'King and His Parliament', the obvious highlight of the album for folks like me. But it's too little, too late. Borderline 3 stars but gets the lower mark because they could have done much better. They traded art for dollars. A devil's deal.
6/9/19 (review)
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 three 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).
Ownership: 1976 Homegrown (LP); 1997 Homegrown (CD) Two bonus tracks.
Observer (1976)
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).
Ownership: 1976 Homegrown (LP); 1997 Homegrown (CD) Two bonus tracks.
3/16/19 (review)
3/16/19 (new entry)
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