Atomic Rooster
Atomic Rooster

THE REVIEW

Atomic Rooster emerged at the dawn of Prog Rock. Known for their constant lineup changes, they often risked fading into obscurity. The original lineup included Vincent Crane on keyboards, Nick Graham on bass/vocals, and Carl Palmer (already with Crane in the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown) on drums. Their debut album is simply named "Atomic Rooster." The album is considered one of the highest peaks of their production. Additionally, there is a "Deluxe" version of this record with Bonus Tracks that include some pieces already on the album but with different arrangements and "BBC Radio" recordings.

It starts with "Friday 13th," perhaps the most popular track on the whole record. Catchy riff and full of energy vocals. The bass blends well with the Hammond and piano. Overall, it's a very lively track. "And So To Bed" compared to the previous track is less energetic. The keyboard once again takes the forefront, Graham infuses his voice with particular energy, and the bass and drums sync well together. Throughout its duration, the track repeats the same loops, but in its entirety, it's a good composition. "Broken Wings" is a whole different journey. It's a Blues, introduced by "announcing" trumpets. Essential elements of this track are, as always, the Hammond keyboard primarily, the bass, and the vocals. But the drums also contribute significantly. "Before Tomorrow" is a completely instrumental piece. It's needless to say that the keyboard is in charge here as well, supported by a marked drum and linear bass. There's also an interlude dominated by the flute. With the fifth track, "Banstead" returns to vocals. The voice is guided by the keyboard, which also sets a path for the bass, which diverges from the stanza in interesting ways. Beyond this, the track is supported by the same harmonic keyboard loop accentuated by Graham's voice. "S. L. Y." is the only track on the album featuring the electric guitar. This track is not inferior to previous compositions. It's one of those tracks that sticks in your mind after a couple of listens, for its "obsessive" verse. In "Winter," calmness and delicacy reign supreme. The voice and the flute provide significant contributions, both in the initial and central part. Palmer does a great job on percussion, perfectly in line with the flute. "Decline And Fall" majestically closes the album. The bass seems to be the key to this track... at least in the beginning, until Crane's Hammond comes in. The piece is a "stage" for Palmer, giving us one of his memorable drum solos. It's followed by a blend of bass, keyboard, and drums, leading up to the vocal part, making us believe this composition was only instrumental.

Personally, I see Atomic Rooster's style as more akin to early Deep Purple and E, L&P (for the overly daring keyboards) rather than as always thought to Black Sabbath. To absorb this album, it only takes two listens... at most three. The record easily gets into your head for its frenetic rhythms and equally obsessive verses.