Marcus - Marcus (Reissue) (1976/2000)

This album is a truly a remarkable artefact. Originally issued in 1976 to little or no acclaim, the record, despite it striking cover art and incendiary contents, sank without trace until British music publication Sounds afforded the record a glowing lead review. Aficionados and avid fans of hard rock began a frantic search to obtain copies and were pleased to find that the praise was indeed well deserved. By then, however, the band had already spilt up, disillusioned by a lack of interest and receiving zero promotion. It was an incredibly unfortunate set of circumstances as the album is a true classic, a mid-seventies hard rock album with the reach and depth of a band that, without a doubt, should have risen to the very heights of success. Formed in Detroit by leader and vocalist Marcus Malone (a former member of Mitch Rider's Detroit Wheels), the group was discovered and brought to Los Angeles by 60s soul legend Ike Turner, who secured them a deal with United Artists Records. Produced by Stuart Alan Love (Phoenix, Black Sheep) the album resonates with impressive depth and maturity. The music is both accomplished and bold, fusing the grand swagger of Aerosmith with the progressive heaviness of Deep Purple. Featuring three lead guitars soloing away in a triple attack formation, alongside intricately arranged material, the record boasts a bevy of classic cuts.