Here's a tasty gem, a little known hard rock/prog 'supergroup' called Natural Gas that sizzled and fizzled back in 1977 before they could take their solid debut to the next level and beyond. Comprised of Joey Molland from Badfinger (vocals, guitars, background vocals); Peter Wood of Quiver, and later Rod Stewart, Roger Waters, Tommy Shaw, and others (keyboards, background vocals); Mark Clarke of Colosseum & Uriah Heep (bass instrument, background vocals); Jerry Shirley of Humble Pie and later Fastway (drums, percussion, background vocals), the members of Natural Gas obviously had the pedigree to take this band to great heights, and with this promising debut and a tour supporting then hot as hell Peter Frampton, the band seemed poised for great things. However, distractions and a lack of organization led to the band's breakup just one year after they released this album in 1976.
So, what about the music of Natural Gas? Well, it's damn good, and it's a shame that this album has long been forgotten by rock music lovers. Thankfully Renaissance Records came to the rescue and reissued this album, which was originally released on Private Stock Records. Tracks such as "Little Darlin' " and "I've Been Waiting" have a strong mid-period Grand Funk Railroad feel, fueled by gritty guitar work, tight rhythms, raging Hammond and honky tonk piano, and Molland's strong vocals, which sound quite a bit like Mark Farner at times. Other tunes, like "You Can Do It" and "I Believe It's Love" take on a more soaring, prog-rock element, sumptuous keyboards and pop hooks combine for a feel that's like a cross between Supertramp, Queen, 10cc, and Aviary. When all of these elements come together, as they do on the excellent piece "The Right Time", you get a punchy hard rock piece that's catchy and plenty proggy, intricate guitar licks and flourishes of keyboards flying about the mix, including a wild Hammond solo from Wood. The band even lurches into barroom styed boogie ala Humble Pie on the raucous "Miracle Mile" and a mix of funk and heavy rock on the excellent "St. Louis Blues".
This reissue includes a few bonus demo and rehearsal cuts, and though I wish the lyrics in the booklet were readable (the print is quite dark and tiny) this is an all-around worthwhile purchase for lovers of rare 70's hard rock and prog.
Track Listing
1. Little Darlin'
2. Once Again, A Love Song
3. You Can Do It
4. I've Been Waitin'
5. I Believe It's Love
6. Right Time, The
7. Christmas Song
8. Miracle Mile
9. Dark Cloud
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Christmas Song [Rehearsal]
12. Little Darlin' [Demo]
13. Christmas Song [Demo]
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