Saturday, July 28, 2007

Avalanche - Avalanche (1976)

When it comes to classic rock, much less Aussie rock, a million of other artists spring to mind. Avalanche is certainly not among them. This is too bad because this ultra talented Australian based supergroup were deserving of far more kudos than were granted to them during their brief tenure in the mid 70's. Avalanche evolved from the highly talented Bootleg Records house band, The Bootleg Family Band. Acting as sort of an Australian counterpart to Leon Russell's band, TBFB provided session players and live touring musicians to artists signed to the Bootleg label. Over the years, that band saw many lineup changes only to arrive at the Avalanche moniker in late 1975. Avalanche issued their self-titled debut on the Bootleg label in 1976 and wow, what an album it was!

With superior chops and hooks firmly in place, the album captivates from beginning to end. The band experiments with everything from hard rock and pop to bluesy bar band boogie. No matter which direction they wind up in, each track smokes. The vocals are spot on and the musicianship is tight and played with conviction. There's very little to fault with this stellar sole album from Avalanche. The band split in 1978 and little has been heard of the members since. A total loss for Australia and the world at large....this band rocked.

Dig this pristine vinyl rip and be one of the lucky few who own this fabulous effort from down under!

6 comments:

Tyk said...

This is a really neat site. Thank you for doing it. I love hearing unknown gems like these...

Anonymous said...

Good album. I agree with your description of the music, songs and the tight playing.

Bret said...

My first concert ever was Hush JPY and Avalanche at the Apollo stadium in Adelaide in the 70's. Avalanche went on first and set an amazingly high bar for the other 2 bands to follow.

Genuinely great rock band.

DJ Kool JB said...

could you pleeease reup this...as you may or may not know, megaupload has been shut down :(

Jimmi Blue said...

I am obsessed with finding a CD version of this album. (I have several vinyl copies.) These guys should have been BIG!

JKR said...

Unfortunately, this one has never been reissued on CD. I can't imagine that ever happening but one can always hope! Avalanche did an obscure single, "Good For Me, Good For You" b/w "Mr Jones", which would make for a nice pair of bonus tracks. I've yet to find a copy of it though :(