The group was already in the making when Zombies recorded their last US singles and the names co-existed a short while for the market. With singer Colin Blunstone gone Rod Argent launched a new setting, keeping former Zombies bassist Chris White as song-writer and producer. Against that background I don't know if it's fair to call it a debute album, but if so - it has to be one of the best ever. Everything is good with this - ten emotional yet catchy songs with elaborated melodies, production with an almost sleepy quality and harmonies that goes directly to your gut. Vocals are soft and smooth and all skillfully played - e.g. base on "Too Be Free" and the organ riff on "Dance In The Smoke". Audio is perfect - big, clear and well separated. I've had copies of this since early seventies and it keeps on giving year after year. It didn't chart at arrival and was sadly overlooked for a long time. Hopefully, with recent CD-issues, it can be re-discovered and fully appreciated. First US release on yellow Epic (BN 26525) with lyric insert, later orange (same number). I've never heard a US yellow label original, but had an orange for a while and did not like the sound at all. It was too small and dense and didn't fly. 1:st UK had label as shown here, thick vinyl and f/o cover with rec. no. above logo on front and back. (ZÖZ*)
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