I wrote a post a few days ago about Briar – a NWOBHM band from the old days I wasn’t familiar with – after being contacted by the drummer, Dean Cook. You can view that post here. Now, top man that he is, Dean sent me a copy of Briar’s re-mastered and re-issued album from the mid-1980s entitled Take On The World. It’s been in my car’s CD player pretty much constantly for a few days and what an excellent listen it is too.
This re-issue is actually what was a demo cassette of their (then) intended second album which was due to be titled Back To The Wild Days. The liner notes by Dean say that it was recorded live in one day capturing Briar at its “best and honest.” I’d agree with that. It’s a great little album.
As you’d expect from a cassette re-master the sound isn’t the best though it’s more than good enough to show what talent Briar had. It’s not straight ahead NWOBHM, it’s more refined than that. Sure, it has the riffs and power-chords and the twin guitarists know how to play with some tight soloing.
The title track starts things off and it’ll be in your head straight away. Short, punchy catchy. Things chug along very nicely for the remainder of the album including the two bonus tracks on the CD. The closer (the one before the bonus tracks if you get the CD) Keep on Running is a particular favourite with a great lead in solo over some fine rhythm guitar to back it up.
If you like your NWOBHM (or indeed your rock music) to have power, soaring hooks that get right in your head, be a bit melodic but still stuff you can nod your head to, sing along to and play along on the air guitar then get yourself a copy. The CD might be a bit tricky to find however it is available on iTunes for those of you who belong to the Cult of Apple. Here’s the link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/take-on-the-world/id361935037
Take On The World is a real hidden gem from the old days. It’s not unlike period Def Leppard or Praying Mantis I’d say. If you’re a NWOBHM completist or in to your heavy melodic type stuff then it’ll be your bag for sure.
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