Andromeda

Origin:  England

Year: 1969

Subgenre: Progressive Hard Rock

Rating:  8

The Players:

John Cann                    Guitars, Vocals

Mick Hawksworth        Bass Guitar

Ian McLane                   Drums, Percussion

Formed in 1968 following the breakup of the psych-mod band The Attack, Andromeda released their only album on the RCA label in 1969. Led by guitarist and vocalist John Cann (later DuCann), the group offered up a critically acclaimed set of heavy progressive rock numbers that has now become an underground classic. The foundation of the band's sound is a smothering heavy guitar tone. Cann is devilishly good at creating a multiple of moods, some even emitting a vibe reminiscent of Angel Witch or Diamond Head. This sound is best on display on the track Return To Sanity. Clocking in at over eight minutes, it begins dark and broodingly and then progresses to an all-out heavy rock assault. The album's first track Too Old is very much like early Lucifer's Friend and is another standout cut. One can hear the ghosts of Thin Lizzy on Turns To Dust. Can and company always keep things interesting on this one with their wide array of soundscapes. Other highlights include the Zeppish, straight-ahead rocker The Reason and the psychedelic-tinged closer When To Stop. Unfortunately, the band never took off commercially and leader John Cann was recruited to join Atomic Rooster. He would then travel on and form Bullet, which recorded two albums following a name change to Hard Stuff. Bassist Hawksworth took his talents to Fuzzy Duck and then Ten Years After. A formidable power trio, Andromeda left its mark indelibly stamped with this gem of late 60's heavy rock.

Tracks:

Too Old

Day Of The Change

And Now The Sun Shines

Turns To Dust

Return To Sanity

The Reason

I Can't Stop The Sun

When To Stop