Album review: Trapeze – The Lost Tapes Vol. 1

By PERRY GRAYSON
WHEN I heard there was a collection of Trapeze rarities due to be released by Metalville Records, I jumped at the chance to review it.

Trapeze were highly important pioneers of proto-metal and heavy, funky rawk. The Mk II power trio lineup of Glenn Hughes (bass/vocals), Mel Galley (guitar) and Dave Holland (drums) crafted some of the finest, most soulful sounds of the early seventies.

One need look no further than “Jury” and “Medusa” off of their sophomore LP Medusa to hear some early doom riffage. Their third album, You Are the Music…We’re Just the Band was also a tasteful treat.

When Hughes bailed to join Deep Purple in 1972, the band soldiered on with some lineup changes – although always involving Galley and Holland – two-thirds of the initial Trapeze triumvirate.
I have to thank Cirith Ungol members Greg Lindstrom and Rob Garven for hipping me to Trapeze over two decades ago. Lost Tapes is a must-have for any heavy rawk lover.

1. “Cool Water”
A straight-up party rocker with Pete Goalby on vocals. The lyrics are a bit on the silly side. (“BBQ by the pool…”)
2. “Lover”
A funky rock tune complete with keyboards that don’t detract overall.
3. “Breakdown”
A nineties track with Glenn Hughes on vocals and bass. The production is clean, but heavy. It features a tasty chorus-drenched guitar solo by Mel Galley. Lyrically, this one sounds like Glenn was trying to exorcise his drug demons.
4. “Don’t Let Them Push You”
Vocals courtesy of late axeman Mel Galley on this upbeat rocker. Dave Holland injects some ultra-cool cowbell into the mix.
5. “Destiny”
A slick 1980s production with Mel Galley on vocals and original Trapeze member Terry Rowley on keys.

6. “The Lights of Tokyo”
Short, sweet and swaggering! This one sports Mel Balley on vocals again.
7. “So in Love”
Mel Galley on vocals again. This tune is a jazz fusion and soft-funk inflected ballad with some tasty synth sounds.
8. “Bad Kid from School”
Some strong vocals by Glenn Hughes about juvenile delinquency. The recording quality is a bit on the rough side, but this track still demands attention.
9. “Catching Up on You”
A heavily syncopated song with Hughes on vocals. Some instrumental jamming pre-empts the nitty-gritty of the tune. This one would have been at home on You Are the Music.
10. “Do You Understand”
Glenn Hughes sings this catchy one. Some nice twin guitar harmony leads spice it up.
11. “Enough is Enough”
A big 1980s keyboard-laden production. Probably the least strong of the collection.
12. “You’ve Got It”
Pete Goalby sings this sucker, which has boasts some slide guitar fills.
13. “Who Do You Run To”
Pete Goalby on vocals again. The production oozes 1980s slickness.
14. “Going Home”
A heavy track to close out the collection with Mel Galley on vocals and some duelling lead guitar from Galley and his dual axe partner Rob Kendrick.

Buy Trapeze’s Lost Tapes Vol 1 on CD