For a band that quickly evolved into a radio-friendly
prog
-leaning outfit, it's a wonder that
Wishbone Ash
started out as the
boogie
and
blues
-based group that this debut reveals. If the term "
jam band
" existed in 1970,
surely would have been a major player in that genre. As it was, this album stacked up nicely when compared with other British
hard rock
releases that year. Not as complex or calculated as
Led Zeppelin
's
Led Zeppelin III
but definitely more focused than
Mott the Hoople
Mad Shadows
,
more closely resembled
Benefit
by
Jethro Tull
, a group that hadn't yet adopted its own
progressive
elements. The dual lead guitar attack of
Andy Powell
Ted Turner
was a component that none of the above bands possessed, but unfortunately their (shared) lead vocals lacked the punch and authority necessary for
bands to be taken seriously. So while they could rock as loudly and convincingly as virtually anyone, their lead singers, perhaps, held them back from being the force they should have been. The follow-up,
Pilgrimage
, took steps to rectify
's odd position, but this album nevertheless opened eyes and ears and revealed to the
rock & roll
community a band with incredible potential and talent. ~ Dave Sleger