Reviewed by Eric on 16 Feb 2003
The mid- late 70’s were a difficult time for UK bands who did not fall under the umbrella
of glam, punk, or prog. With little UK media attention and support from the popular press
groups like Aviator, City Boy, Dirty Looks, Mr Big (not to be confused with the
80’s US group), Straaps, Charlie, Pilot, and Trickster persevered to create quality
rock music. With an eye on North America, many of these bands saw their work released,
and toured the lower 48, yet only a few saw any success of note other than Charlie,
City Boy, Pilot and Trickster.
Coming across as pomp rock version of labelmates ELO (without strings),
Trickster’s debut album certainly gained a lot promotion and press here in the States. The
tour with ELO(that also included Journey on some dates) was huge, and the
album did gain some airplay, but overall the material was just not strong enough to carry
the band to greater things this time around. Still, there is plenty here for fans of period
AOR/ pomp to enjoy, and if you are like me and revel in this sound and era, then do yourself
a favor and pick up this album which should be very easy to find at any good used shop in
your neighborhood....
