Anthology

In 2009, Metal Storm published the 101 Rules of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). While the list is nothing more than a joke, some truths are said, like in rule number 69: "Urchin is not NWOBHM. But since Adrian Smith and Dave Murray played in it, it's okay." Some may dispute this – including the renowned author Martin Popoff – but musically speaking, Urchin aligns much more with the hard rock of Free – Smith is an avowed fan of Paul Kossoff (1950-1976) – and Thin Lizzy than with the heavy metal of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.

It makes sense: Adrian was only 16 when he formed Evil Ways with his schoolmate Dave, a year older, to play "heavier blues." In August 1976, with Murray out of the picture, they changed their name to Urchin and signed with DJM Records. On May 13, 1977, they released their long-awaited debut single "Black Leather Fantasy" / "Rock and Roll Woman." The future seemed so bright for the London quintet that Smith turned down Steve Harris's first invitation to join Iron Maiden.

With Dave Murray, it was the opposite: six months after being fired from Maiden, the guitarist was back with Urchin, resulting in the single "She's a Roller" / "Long Time No Woman" (1978), the only product of his brief second stint. Murray wouldn't stay long, and the promising future began to show signs of uncertainty. Smith watched the band he turned down take off – with Dave in the lineup – while his own band struggled with member departures, style changes – the final lineup even included a keyboardist – and general disinterest, signaling the end was near. By the end of 1980, Urchin disbanded, and it was only a matter of time before the bonds of friendship led Adrian to reunite with his old friend, now in Iron Maiden.

Fast forward four decades and shift from England to Brazil, the country with the largest number of Iron Maiden listeners worldwide. Despite the CD market being reduced to specific niches – one being rock and metal – anything featuring a current or former member of Iron Maiden sparks interest among those who prefer physical music formats. Recognizing this, Classic Metal Records exclusively brought this double super box containing Urchin's anthology to Brazil. The collection includes eighteen recordings from the band's later years, featuring tracks previously available only on vinyl or out of print on CD for almost a decade.

The first thing that catches the eye is the packaging. How long has it been since we've seen a fatbox release in Brazil? The nostalgia begins even before tearing off the plastic. Inside, along with the two discs, are two booklets: one with lyrics and the other detailing the band's history, both filled with rare photos. There's also a poster included. Careful reading reveals that all tracks were recorded live in the studio by the lineup of Adrian (guitar and vocals), Andy Barnett (guitar and backing vocals), Alan Levett (bass and backing vocals), Barry Tyler (drums), and Richard “Dick” Young (keyboards).

"The physical attracts, but the spirit captivates" – beautiful, isn't it? I read it in a book. True to the quote, it's the content where "Anthology" solidifies its excellent first impression. As mentioned earlier, the sound has little to do with the spirit of NWOBHM, leaning towards a bluesy, road-ready hard rock with a whiskey-in-hand vibe. The themes aim to be as urban and human as possible, like "Life in the City" (which Iron Maiden reworked as "Sheriff of Huddersfield") and the pure Lizzy-like "Watch Me Walk Away."

On CD1, you can hear echoes of Judas Priest's "Dreamer Deceiver" in "My Lady," The Who in "Need Somebody," and a disco music experiment à la Kool & The Gang in "Animals." Offbeat? Totally. Yet, as flawless as it is irresistible. Highlights on CD2 include "Little Girl" (a riff in the Ritchie Blackmore school followed by a radio-friendly approach that Blackmore himself only achieved in the Joe Lynn Turner era of Rainbow), the previously unreleased pair "Walking Out On You" and "See Me Through," and alternate versions of "Countdown" (an embryonic stage of "22 Acacia Avenue"?) and "Lifetime" from CD1.

Some say Adrian's voice resembles the late Eddie Money (known for hits "Shakin'" and "Take Me Home Tonight"). Above average when considering some vocalists of the time, but nothing compared to the singer who would later become synonymous with Iron Maiden. Nonetheless, what truly stands out is his guitar, always sharp and here with a full inclination towards improvisation.

With "Anthology," the still incomplete puzzle of the origins of one of the greatest bands in metal history gains a new piece. And it's no exaggeration to say that it is one of the most sought-after and valuable pieces. Headbangers around the world, prepare to be envious!