Search - Strapps :: Live at the Rainbow 1977

Strapps - 'Live At The Rainbow 1977' (Angel Air)

Mike Reed | USA | 02/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Was totally taken by surprise by this archive live recording that The Strapps, a lesser known UK heavy rock band that existed from approx. 1974-78, releasing four albums. Sound quality here is superb, as the disc's first nine tracks give you the perfect chance to experience the four piece playing live at (where else?) the Rainbow. Turns out the Strapps have some major ties with Deep Purple, keep reading. That isn't too hard to believe because I thought the Strapps have 'sort of' a similar vibe that Purple has always possessed. About every track pulls you completely in, with "The Pain Of Love", "Soft Touch" (with almost Gillan-like vocals), the rocking "Child In The City", "Secret Damage" and "School Girl Funk". Comes with three bonus cuts of alternative mixes. Line-up: Ross Stagg-guitar & vocals, Joe Read-bass, Noel Scott-keyboards and Mick Underwood (Quatermass)-drums. The Deep Purple ties were that Underwood has apparently played on numerous Ian Gillan records and worked with Ritchie Blackmore in an early band, the Lancasters. A good pick. Definitely, some of the 'better' music you've never heard."