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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!
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Hard Ride (03:10)
You`ve got me coming and going You floor me without a sound I try to roll with your punches But you keep laying them down Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild I`ve got my hands on your assets It brings the tears to your eyes You wanna check my credentials You`re gonna get a surprise Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild You`ve got me coming and going You floor me without a sound I try to roll with your punches But you keep laying them down Giving me a hard time Making me lose my mind You`re giving me a rough ride You`ve got me going You`re driving me wild
03 Don't Need Your Money (03:22)
Don't want no one night stand
I don't need no helping hand
You ain't comin' round to drink my booze
You won't get the money you lent
You know the stuff that pays my rent
Just stick around cos' you're gonna lose
Just leave don't look behind you
I don't need your money honey
Just spend it on a loser
I don't need your money honey
Get off my back
Get off my track
And I'll tell you if you want facts
I don't want no rich fat daddy trying to change my life
when I just wanna relax
I don't want your Barclay card
You know you make my life so hard
You think you got me feeding out of your hand
Go take a ride in your Lotus Elite
I'll stick to walking on my two feet
I've got to prove to you that I'm more than a man
Just leave don't look behind you
I don't need your money honey
Just spend it on a loser
I don't need your money honey
Get off my back
Get off my track
And I'll tell you if you want facts
I don't want no rich fat daddy trying to change my life
when I just wanna relax
Just leave don't look behind you
I don't need your money honey
Just spend it on a loser
I don't need your money honey
Get off my back
Get off my track
And I'll tell you if you want facts
I don't want no rich fat daddy trying to change my life
when I just wanna relax
07 Rock Until You Drop (04:02)
Don`t think you can make it Don`t think you want to try Sit back in your easy chair And the world will pass you by Life is what you make it That`s what people say You`ve got to get it together Make it your own way You`ve gotta rock Rock until you drop Got to get some action Got to rock tonight Got to get the volume To slay you with its might Get into metal That` s what its abou Come on everybody - Now lets hear you shout You`ve gotta rock Rock until you drop So you think you`re sitting pretty But your life is passing by Make no sign of living It don`t matter if you die You`ve got to think of something Give it all you`ve got Make your life worth something Or it`ll cost the lot You`ve gotta rock Rock until you drop
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