Raven
Rock Until You Drop

THE REVIEW

Spineless pioneers of the much-maligned NWOBHM scene, Raven exemplify how the rock scene has always been so prolific and quick to grow and present itself that often its origins have been overlooked, and too often talented bands full of ideas have sadly fallen into oblivion.

This is precisely the case of this devastating trio formed by the Gallagher brothers (Mark on guitar, John on bass) and Rob Hunter (drums), who, back in 1981, supported by a raw and immediate production, churned out a robust and impactful sound, what the trio called "athletic Rock". It was the year, to contextualize the platter in question, of Iron Maiden's "Killers", Motorhead's "No Sleep Till Hammersmith", and the metal scene was in full swing, and our heroes decided to put all the fun, all the passion, and a good dose of technique into recording their debut LP, this "Rock Until You Drop", which rightly can be considered a milestone of rock.

Raven, in fact, already with the first track ("Hard Ride") show us what they're made of, hitting us with sleazy and powerful riffs, as captivating as few, giving us a chorus that can only stick wickedly in our heads, unleashing a genuine energy that enters brazen and exuberant into our minds. From there, it’s a series of adrenaline rushes ("Over The Top", which was also chosen as the album’s single), impressive highs (hear to believe "Hell Patrol" and you'll thank me!), mighty rhythm lines ("For the Future" and "Rock Until You Drop", certainly among the best moments of the package) and decisive ones ("Don't You Need Your Money" and "Hell-Raiser Action" tribute to Sweet) interspersed with surgical and raw guitar solos ("Nobody's Hero") that relentlessly hunt you from the vinyl to catch you, make you a prisoner and wound you deep into the bones, broken up by a clever and mischievous but brief acoustic pause, just to rest your bleeding eardrums a bit ("39-40").

John Gallagher's impressive vocal performance and the explosive blend of the trio are definitely remarkable, delivering twelve devastating tracks full of energy, where they push the accelerator without ever showing a drop in inspiration. Blessed youthful madness (at the time these three wild ones were little more than in their twenties!) that reaches its peak, brushing genius in the closing track of the album. "Tyrant of the Airways" is the perfect summary of the raw sound as understood by Raven: dirty, raw, bastard, damn catchy, and stretched to delirium, hysterical in the breaks, in the pounding of the bass and riffs/feedback, and notes shot like poisoned nails.

A masterpiece starting from the cover: instruments, microphone stands, amplifiers, drum parts, and anything else that can be found in a recording studio (or perhaps a basement) engulf the three band members after an improbable explosion, caused by who knows what (clearly before listening to the record, you can't imagine what's awaiting you!).

"If I want to smash a guitar I can do it instantly. I can toss it around, be mad and know that it'll stand up to it. When a guitar does break I get really annoyed and start smashing things…"

In short, enjoy listening!

See Ya!