Strongbow
Strongbow (SWS 6401), 1975can
Link: wv
In spite of extensive touring throughout the mid-west and some Southern states, the band was unable to interest a record label in their talents. They subsequently opted to record and release a single on their own Epodus label:
- 1973's 'If You're Going To the City' b/w 'Changes' (Epodus catalog number E 773 A/B)
Between touring the band recorded a series of demos at Columbus' Owl Studios. Those demos attracted the attention of Buddah's small Southwind subsidiary which signed them to a recording contract. For whatever reason Buddah/Southwind executives demanded the demos be recorded, teaming the band with producer Alan Lorber. Released in 1975, "Strongbow" offered up a surprisingly enjoyable set of mid-western rock and progressive moves. With all eight tracks credited to singer Bill Bender, it was an odd album to describe. Listening to tracks like 'One Armed Bandit' and 'Move Over' it was easy to picture these guys slogging through the mid-west playing more conventional REO Speedwagon-styled rock. In fact, while his voice wasn't bad, singer Bendler probably would have been better suited handling more conventional rock numbers. On tracks like 'Move Over Gloom' and 'How Can I Be Loving You' he actually reminded me a bit of Randy Bachman. And that was actually a good musical baseline for describing these guys. Imagine BTO (yes I know they were Canadian), REO, Styx, or maybe even Grand Funk Railroad had they shifted their focus from rock to a more progressive orientation. Admittedly, nothing here was creatively groundbreaking and as hard as they might have wanted to become ELP, or Yes, their mid-western roots weren't going to allow them to abandon more traditional rock and roll structures.
With virtually no support from Southwind the band continued to tour on their own resources. Strongbow apparently even began recording material for a planned follow-up album, but called it quits in 1977. RDTEN1Nov 29 2021
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