This versatile hard rock quartet was formed in 1977 by the multi-talented Rick Randle (vocals, keyboards, guitar). Enlisting the services of Scott Roseburg (vocals, bass, guitar), Rick Ramirez (guitar) and Rick Taylor (drums, vocals), Striker signed with Arista Records the following year. Their music incorporated rock, funk, boogie, blues and soul influences, and although this eclecticism avoided press pigeon-holing, it also limited their potential audience. Their album featured impressive guitar and vocal harmonies, but lacked identity because of the varied styles employed. Failing to win an appreciative audience, Randle dissolved the band in 1979. Rick Ramirez went on to join Bruzer. (by AllMusic)
Striker was an American combo from Seattle, Washington, which sole album (self-titled, 1978) largely deserve an official remaster. Until this happens, an obscure bootleg label has released the album on CD, transferred from vinly, yes, but really well done.
Originally known as Randle-Rosburg, the group became Striker in the mid-seventies and was amongst Seattle’s leading hard rock bands of the era. The group was soon signed by a major label (Arista) and recorded & released their debut in 1978.
Their style was pretty ahead of its time, blending classic hard rock with some melodic rock twist that would become popular on FM radio two years after.
Think Legs Diamond, The Babys (John Waite), some of New England, and why not, a bit of Angel (Giuffria).
‘Think About It’ is an extremely contagious opener with a catchy guitar work, smooth vocals and some synth flourishes. ‘Midnight Flyer’ is more midtempo, melodic and with lovely harmony vocals.
Striker add acoustic guitars on the dynamic ‘Wish’, while ‘More Than Enough’ rocks with a fine swaggering riff. Then ‘Hard On Me’ is an edgy blues tinged rocker in the mould of early Legs Diamond. All very ‘American’.
Check carefully the main riff of ‘On My Way’… holy cow, this is exactly the same used later by Def Leppard for their hit ‘Photograph’!
‘Hard On Me’ has some Aerosmith on it, then the style changes completely in the Californian AOR of ‘By Your Side’, a smooth melodic piece that should have been ranked high on FM radio.
‘Running In The Wrong Lane’ returns to rock ‘n roll plenty of swagger complete with a bar-room piano and a hooky chorus, then the album ends ‘We Got The Power’ a rocker bringing to mind the very first Foreigner.
“Striker” is a lost little gem from the late Seventies US scene, and rocks with an energy and melody sure to appeal classic rock fans. Unfortunately, the group disbanded in 1980 with all members joining renowned acts, like vocalist and keyboard / guitar player Rick Randle being involved with the excellent band Bighorn.
Highly Recommended. (0dayrox.org)
And “More Than Enough” could be a perfect song for Rod Stewart & The Faces …
Personnel:
Rick Ramirez (lead guitar)
Rick Randle (vocals, keyboards, guitar)
Scott Rosburg (vocals, bass, guitar)
Rick Taylor (drums)
Tracklist:
01. Think About It (Randle) 3.24
02. Midnight Flyer (Randle) 3.34
03. Wish (Randle) 3.47
04. More Than Enough (Rosburg) 4.33
05. On My Way (Randle) 3.52
06. Hard On Me (Randle/Ramirez) 3.08
07. Somebody Help Me (Rosburg/Ramirez) 3.28
08. By Your Side (Randle) 3.39
09. Running In The Wrong Lane (Rosburg/Ramirez) 3.33
10. We Got The Power (Randle) 4.39
ManyFantasticColors 