SNATCH BACK REVIEW - MEARFEST MENTIONED IN CREDITS

​I'm a huge fan of the NWOBHM and through Mearfest we try and champion bands of that era and heritage
I also love Classic British Rock from the Seventies.
Occasionally I'm lucky enough to receive a CD to review and this fabulous album from Snatch back arrived a few days ago
"Ride Hard Run Free"
Snatch back were formed initially in 1974 and
when you hear this album it has all the hallmarks of the best of British Hard Rock bands of that era.
From the opening self titled track right through to the final notes of "She's dead" you are transported back in time.
I'm in big old city centre pub
Outside are parked Triumphs, Nortons and other British Stallions of the highway
The place is packed out with leather jacketed punters.
I've managed to get a pint of Worthington E
Tobacco smoke hangs in the air
Lights go down and arms raise up without a phone in sight.
Valve amps hum, and suddenly were off!!!
Ride hard, Run free the opening track is a bikers anthem it's full of power, chugging riffs and that galloping bass we all love so much
It reminds me of very early Motorhead especially the vocal tone of John Cowley
What follows is eight fantastic tracks of solid pure British Rock.(along with some great bonus live tracks from 78)
Think of Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Atomic Rooster, Quartz, Groundhogs and Troyen and you will be on the right lines.
This band may hark back to a different era but the sound on this release is fantastic
Crisp and clear as a bell
You hear every note from Ste Byatts guitar
John's vocals are perfect along with the bass of Ian Wood and the thunderous Steve Platt this is wonderful
We may have all waited 40 years for this debut album but it's been worth every second.
For lovers of the NWOBHM and Classic British Rock I really cannot fault this album
Stand out tracks for me are the opener, "Rock in a cold climate"and" on the run "
Snatch back keep a golden era of Rock not only alive but bursting with health and vitality
Later this year Snatch back will be playing for Mearfest North once again and for very good reason.
Bands with this amount of History and Quality are as rare as hens teeth
Do yourselves a massive favour
Beg, borrow or steal this album
Better still buy it on LP (I'm ordering mine today)
Magnificent!!! 10 out of 10 (Eleven if the dial allows)