Whizkey Stik
On the Level
Late 1970s
NW Metalworx NWM 003 (2016)
**** (recommended)
This 2016 long player houses late-70s recordings from this outfit from Astoria, Oregon, all the cuts likely unreleased, unpretentious hard rock with the chops wrapped up in the songs rather than excessive reasons to show off.
While hard rock was in rather sad shape at the end of the 70s, a few outfits still knew how to do it–Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Ritchie Blackmore, Rory Gallagher, UFO–and this outfit appears to have taken their cues from bands like those. They were also clearly appeared to be aware of where the rock bands of this era came from–Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and all the other pioneers of the 50s.
While taking cues from others, this has a sound all its own and a charm that the pomp-rock and cock-rock outfits of this era clearly lacked. Fans of obscure 70s hard rock should give this set a listen.
— winch
Sounds Good 