Steeplechase

Steeplechase were a band from Brooklyn who released this one LP and disappeared with every other band from 1970 America. Their music is decidedly on the hard rock side of the scale with heavy guitar and Hammond organ. Vocals are of the rough bluesy variety. Steppenwolf seems to have played a major role in this band's development.

Opener 'Wrought Iron Man' kicks ass and is a very auspicious beginning. One of the better early hard tracks I've heard from these shores. It's a dumb name though. I understand an Iron Man, but Wrought Iron Man? What is he - a fence? Hey, you could take that metaphorically as you wish... Incidentally his sister goes by Cast Iron Girl... The other major highlight is the proggy 'Sea Shore' a second side middle track that is easily missed if not paying close attention. 'Talking Bout You' has some cool psychedelic effects, and the second half of 'Mary Clarke' has a nice jam. The closers on each side are best skipped over, unless you enjoy the gospel-ish side of 70s rock.

Solid album that I'd never even heard of until today. Good rummage sale pickup for sure.

BTW, it seems the band is really quite happy on the front and back cover. Could it be the very first time they've seen plants and trees? Hey, you never know....

Groove Laden Hard-Edged Rock One Off
The only album by this very short-lived New York based hard rock band is built around a beefy late 60’s hard rock formula and also mixes in (although slightly) dashes of psych, blues and progressive rock. Influences of the day are Uriah Heep, Iron Butterfly and Steppenwolf. Drummer Joe Forgione and Organ player Tony Radicello had previously been with the Philadelphia psych soul rock band Soul Survivors. This is a very enjoyable album and doesn’t get repetitive or monotonous, like some of the other 70’s hard rockers do.