Exploding

1984 was a decent year for NWOBHM, with several seminal releases from bands of note, including TANK and BATTLEAXE. While this one is perhaps not a good as the aforementioned, ‘Exploding’, EXPLORER’s only official full length provides some original moments, interesting touches, and fills out that NWOBHM collection.

Songs like the opener: ‘Try to Lie’ are a mix of stronger and weaker moments contributing to make a decent, though not overly strong number in summation. The guitar solos for example are good, with some good mixing being done to give somewhat of a thick sound, with some interesting keyboards. However, much of the vocals, including the chorus, are simplistic and lacklustre.

Much of the same come in the second track: ‘Lose Your Love’. The song is decidedly upbeat, featuring some guitar solos and keyboards which are tastefully executed, but again being let down a bit on the vocal side of things. In general, arrangements like the first two are actually not overly simplistic, which can be quite common among the lesser known NWOBHM acts, in the contrary, there are strong things being done with each instrument, but largely are let down by the lacklustre vocals.

The upbeat feel of the band is continued on much of the tracks present. ‘Take it Away’ is another example of this, evoking comparisons with GASKIN or PREDATUR. Bass riffage in this one is tasteful, coupled with continuing strength by main axeman Barry Kimber. If you don’t mind the overtly positive and upbeat side of 80s hard rock then go for it.

Maginot Line is the first track on the album dealing with anything rather than generic boogie rock subject matter, which suits me just fine. Starting off strong with powerfully emotive keyboard and guitar layers, including heart-wrenching solos, this is perhaps my pick of the album. After this strange intro, we get stuck into another somewhat upbeat riff coupled with more fantasy keyboards. I’m not entirely sure why this British band chose to name an instrumental track after this classic world war two subject matter. (The Maginot line-off the top of my head was a series of defences on the French eastern border with Germany, built after the first world war to prevent further invasions, however they were to be unsuccessful against the German Blitzkreig of World War Two.) My point here is that while the songs is a decent display of instrumental talent, it is decidedly too upbeat to share the title of a crushing allied defeat in the war.

In summation; not an excellent album. ‘Maginot Line’ and ‘Battle Cry’ are better tracks, and the others witness some moments, but are not solid tracks all-round. Full credit for some good use of keyboards, and talented guitars. Also, a fairly constant ‘fantastical’ sort of sound is evoked throughout, which is interesting. The problem is with the weaker vocals, songwriting that’s too upbeat for the subject matter it’s handling, and an apparent lack of energy at times. (Not during many of the guitar leads). If your like me and have a huge stack of NWOBHM, then check it out, but if looking for one of the stronger examples of the genre, don’t start here.