T
he magnificent Vardis pre-date the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days of the early 1980s, though got swept up in it with their debut album of 100 MPH in 1980 making a dent in the album charts. Unusually for a debut album, 100 MPH was recorded live.
I’ve been a big Vardis fan since seeing them supporting Hawkwind on their Levitation tour in 1980.
The magnetic figure of Steve Zodiac blasting out that somewhat unique and memorable guitar style mixing up raw heaviness with the bluesy, boogie style and breakneck solos was (and is….) remarkable.
Up here in their home ground, Vardis retain legendary status. As they do on a wider scale too.
Now here with the release of 100 MPH Revisited (not to be confused with the debut album) we can enjoy previously unreleased studio sessions recorded between 1977 and 1980. Raw, heavy and uncompromising stuff.
Many of the songs appear on that debut live album but listening here to their studio origins is a fascinating listen. All the power and energy is there which they always transferred successfully to their blazing live performances.
Relentlessly fast and heavy. Zodiac’s jingle-jangle guitar style is unmistakable and his solos frantic. Such a unique player. Add in Alan Selway’s throbbing bass and the various drummers involved – Vardis made a heck of a lot of noise. A proper “power trio.”
Here’s If I Were King from the 100 MPH live album:
These old studio demos have been cleaned up as best as possible from the original tapes so do be aware this isn’t full quality audio – though for me it added to the authenticity.
If you’ve been with them since the early days, you’ll be wanting to get yourself this 100 MPH 79 Revisited set. Probably is one for old fans for nostalgia. Falling in to that category myself, I think it’s all marvellous.
The CD comes in a nice slip case. There’s a fold-out mini posted with all old press cuttings on the reverse. More old photos and cuttings in the booklet along with some interesting notes from bassist Alan Selway giving background to the sessions.
There are also vinyl versions however they do not include the three bonus recordings of Blue Rock, Dirty Money and The World’s Insane from a 1978 session.
Bagged my copy from Plastic Head here in the UK:
https://www.plastichead.com
Vardis are still with us performing the odd date here and there. Whilst it’s been a long time since the last studio offering – Red Eye – I wonder if 100 MPH 79 Revisited might spark a new studio album…..?
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