Another undiscovered gem from Rock Candy, and less of the AOR than we've come to expect from them of late.

I wonder if they take their name from the Dune characters. Either way, this 1979 EMI/Capitol album leans heavily on the band's early 70s roots, with a strong mix of polished pomp rock (think period Magnum). In similar fashion they were a five piece with good interplay between keyboards and guitar.

Opener 'Red Shoes' is a punchy in-your-face number with a hint of new wave punk sleaze (the kind played by Hanoi Rocks, and ruined by Motley Crue) mixed with 70s glam. There is some crushing hard rock here, from Cheap Trick to Led Zeppelin. At their most polished pomp end there's nods at Kansas and Boston; no bad thing.

The more melodic 'Change' is extremely moody, with some excellent guitar work.

The pomp intro to 'Cry Baby' could easily nod at Yes or Camel, the guitar riff could that of Grand Funk or even (at a push) Smashing Pumpkins.

Some great moods, some fantastic hard rock.

Sadly only a footnote in rock history. This album should have been much bigger, but it's a fickle world. But for such a footnote, the sleevenotes could be a lot more succinct. If they had been bigger they warrant 4000 words, but that is generally too much.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com