This guy again. Gamma 3 is essentially the final album from the band, though there was a comeback album in 2000. I thought I had the narrative of this one locked up early on. When one looks back to the 1982 music landscape, Montrose had a big choice in front of him: Does he muscle up and join the burgeoning heavy metal movement? Maybe it's time to participate in the AOR New Wave sweepstakes and get some radio airplay? Or just keep playing spruced up hard rock? From the first 2 tracks it appeared it was time to "sell out" and beg for FM recognition. So basically Gamma 3 was one too many albums from the band and it was time to hang it up. Review done. Right?
Wrong. Then the album gets very interesting. There are hints on 'Moving Violation' that the band have a few interesting ideas left in the tank. But it's the lengthy side closer 'Mobile Devotion' where the album seals its fate as a keeper. Proggy hard rock, more so than anything he'd done on the first two albums. By now, with a different perspective, the commercial songs start to sound advanced. Side 2 features a killer instrumental in 'Condition Yellow', and there are other tracks that sound like Tangerine Dream went for a go at AORish hard rock. Yes, it's very synthesizer heavy, but that's OK with me - they didn't use them just as a backdrop like so many New Wave bands of the era did. No, they are a feature here. Along with Montrose's great guitar solos of course. Gamma 3 ended up being a very pleasant surprise, especially considering the mediocre grades it's received.
Ownership: 1982 Elektra. Single sleeve. From the 25 cent-each pickup. The cover is indicative of the musical direction the band chose here.
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