Though two-thirds English, Road were a band formed in LA by former Jimi Hendrix Experience / Fat Mattress bassist Noel Redding and Rare Earth guitarist Rod Richards. Along for the ride was English drummer Les Sampson, who was part a band from Fort Worth. In reading reviews of Road's debut, one could be forgiven to thinking this is another power trio in the grand tradition of Stray's debut or Silberbart. But it's not so jaw dropping in its intensity. In fact it reminds me most of Rare Earth in that one keeps expecting to go further than it does. Really, for 1972, this is a full year behind the pack, maybe two. Road is more old-fashioned 1970 styled hard rock, operating in post-Cream mode. Songwriting is an afterthought, mere vehicles to lay the foundation for extended jamming. Because of this, I don't think Road ever penetrated the finicky radio market of the era. While sales were pretty good, it would seem they were riding the coattails of Hendrix at that point. And one and done they go into the journal of history. Not to say the album isn't very good. Oh yes, it most certainly is. And the namesake closer finally delivers on what Redding and Richards have been teasing for years. But compared to the albums I've listed above, it could definitely use a bit more spice in the stew. An excellent entry, but not an astounding one.
Ownership: LP: 1972 Natural Resources. Uni-pak gatefold. Acquired from JL before the last Denver record show (2023). Natural Resources was another Motown rock sublabel like Rare Earth, which Richards probably had something to do with.
6/13/23 (new entry)
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