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STRUTT
Strutt (1987)

Older readers may remember East Londoner’s Strutt when they appeared in Demolition way back in issue #2 of Metal Forces. Well, back then things didn’t quite work for the band and they eventually split in early ’86 and went their separate ways. However, Strutt have recently reformed and are back even stronger than ever.

The current line-up features original members, vocalist Tony Smith (a.k.a. Tony James, ex-Deep Machine), guitarist Tony Harris (ex-Deep Machine / Burn) and bassist Lee Powis (a.k.a. Lee Valentine, ex-Burn), plus new recruite, drummer Graham Roberts (ex- Omega).

Their current tape includes five tracks which are some of the strongest material I’ve heard from a British hard rock band in a long while, and should at last gain Strutt the recognition that they deserve. They certainly blow away upstarts like Chrome Molly, whose latest album is a huge disappointment.

‘Out Of Touch’ and ‘All I Want (Is All I Need)’ are powerful commercial rockers, with the latter reminding me a lot of Dio. Whilst ‘You Take My Breath Away’ has a very strong Gary Moore-feel to it with a catchy chorus.

The best track though is the boppy ‘Stonecold’, an instant classic which reminds me of UFO at their very best. The final number, ‘Innocent Victim’, is a more heavier, pacier affair which, as with all the band’s material, has class stamped all over it.

Strutt really are too good to be overlooked and it’s about time a major label signed a British band with class, instead of trying to hype no-hopers like Heavy Pettin’, Terraplane and the vastly overrated FM.

Bernard Doe

Review taken from Metal Forces, Issue 24 (1987)

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