TRACKLIST:
Genre => Hard Rock
Origin => USA
Bitrate => 320
Info:
805 - STAND IN LINE (1982, RCA)
Dave Porter - guitars, vocals
Greg Liss - bass, chapman stick
Ed Vivenzio - keyboards
Frank Briggs - drums, percussion
Background
Formed in Upstate New York in 1977, 805 started life as a progressive rock band playing Genesis and Yes covers in clubs across the US and Canada. Now personally, I never thought progressive rock translated very well in a club atmosphere and I imagine in the late 70's there was probably more than one punter who shouted out 'Free Bird!' during an extended keyboard solo. Yet despite the usual obstacles and with the musical tide moving away from progressive rock, 805 persevered, perfecting their craft, landing a record contract with RCA and recording their first album under the tutelage of Dennis Mackay (Brand X, Judas Priest, Shooting Star) at Randy Bachman's Legend Studios in the Pacific Northwest.
The Songs
'Stand in Line' is a high quality album from start to finish and almost immediately noticeable is the slight fusion feel ala Group 87 and Ambrosia throughout the ten tracks, although this is definitely a pop album. Think Saga, Lodgic and Genesis' early 80's work. In fact the Genesis influence is quite strong on the title track featuring some very Tony Bank's influenced keyboard work. 'Young Boys', 'Fools Parade' and Side two's 'Gimme Everything' are the strongest and perhaps more accessible songs here, but I find the progressive material far more interesting, especially the final track 'Going Nowhere at All' which brings to mind Mike Rutherford's brilliant and eccentric 'Smallcreeps Day'. The perfect ending to a perfect album, 'Stand in Line' is definitely one to seek out for those who like their AOR spiced up with a prog rock twist.