Customer Reviews

Warhorse

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When bassist Nick Simper was unceremoniously fired from Deep Purple in the summer 1969, he wasted little time in getting back on his feet. After a brief stint with the Marsha Hunt band, he formed Warhorse, along with ex-Hunt bandmates Mac Poole and Ged Peck. Musically similiar to early Deep Purple and Uriah Heep, Warhorse achieved a degree of success in Europe, but sadly, never got their LP's released in the States. With Simper's aggressive bass lines,the screaming lead work of Ged Peck, the swirling Hammond organ of Frank Wilson (who incidentally, replaced their original keyboardist, future Yes man Rick Wakeman), Mac Poole's drumming and vocalist Ashley Holt, they forged a style that was heavy, progressive, and fresh. It's unfortunate they didn't get the exposure they deserved, as the band was very good. Warhorse lasted long enought to release a second album "Red Sea" in 1972, but folded shortly after.

The liner notes credit Warhorse with talent and innovation, saying they were among the Heavy Rock bands of the early seventies and worthy of some credit. When the first album was released under the Vertigo label, the band found themselves being compared to Black Sabbath, also on Vertigo. Heavy guitar aside, however, Warhorse sound nothing like Black Sabbath. As the notes point out, Warhorse had a Hammond organ. In fact, if you want comparisons to contemporary heavy bands of the early seventies I would say look no further than Uriah Heep. There are several instances on this album the Warhorse sound very similar to the Heep, and during one track I couldn't help but think of Vanilla Fudge's album "Renaissance".

Two main differences, however, would be guitarist Ged Peck's playing style, which sounds very much as though he graduated from the Ritchie Blackmore School Of Guitar. The resemblance to Blackmore's style and sound is notable on at least three tracks, especially on "Ritual", which has a guitar solo and rhythm quite similar to Deep Purple's "Wring That Neck" (almost a direct rip-off in one part). It should come as no surprise then to find DP's original bass player, Nick Simper, as the leader of the Warhorse group. Perhaps he just had to have a Blackmore-esque guitarist along with a Hammond organ. The other distinguishable sound of Warhorse is the vocal effort of Ashley Holt. A guy who can scream out notes when he wants to, Ashley Holt has a distinct voice, though not always in a favourable way. On "No Chance" he sounds more like he's half reading, half singing in a bored tone. The lyrics sound equally boring. Ashley Holt generally does not have an exciting voice in my opinion, though when he gets going, as in "St. Louise", he can let it rip.

The album starts off a bit slow, meaning it doesn't seem to do anything exciting or interesting until the third track, "Burning", and then does alright for the next three tracks. My personal favourite is the final track "Woman of the Devil", which actually does sound a little like Sabbath near the beginning. The liner notes suggest the band's lack of success can be blamed on poor timing with record deals and internal problems but to me they just don't sound as exciting as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple or Uriah Heep.

Here is Warhorse-if you like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep, then put this CD on, turn up the volume and jam on it! Apparently formed around the bassist and the early vocalist of Deep Purple, there are definite parallels to that band, but really they more closely mirror Uriah Heep. This is not to say they are a cheap knock-off of that band or that Ashley Holt's vocals (thought almost dead on for Deep Purple or the Heep again) are without power of their own. Stylistically the album is saturated with towering, cathedral-like keyboards, but there is also opportunity for soloing on guitarist Ged Peck's part-although he tends to favor the rhythmic power-chord approach while the main solos are given over to Frank Wilson, the keyboardist. The power tracks are the heavy, funky "Vulture", "Burning" (a great Peck solo on this), the primal scream of "Ritual", and "Woman of the Devil". The less-heavy, more interesting tracks are "No Chance", a great ballad of sorts; the awesome "St. Louis", a rock-out that echoes Steve Miller (think "Living in the USA"); but for me the best track is slow-burn of "Solitude" where everything good about Warhorse gelled into one gloriously haunting track (Holt is especially outstanding here) that will stay with you long after you shelve this CD for something else to listen to. The bonus tracks are great additions. I can't say that the live versions give you an idea of the power they evoked on stage; for the most part they sound exactly like the (usually superior) studio versions. "Miss Jane" is interesting because it signals the less heavier approach they were to take on their disappointing follow-up, "Red Sea". The live version of "Solitude" is shorter and almost rushed. Peck's guitar solo is still great, however. "Woman of the Devil" is the only song that seems to improve on itself; Poole's drumming is particularly ferocious here. At the end of the day, Warhorse is what it is: a long over-looked timepiece of early seventies hard progressive rock that deserves a visit every now and then-preferably more now than then.

With Nicky Simper (bass) of the original Deep Purple lineup as the founding member, it's little wonder that this album's work is very close to his former band. Singer Ashley Holt sounds like a cross between Rod Evans and Ian Gillan (complete with patented scream) and Mac Poole has the early Ritchie Blackmore guitar sound down to a tee. The songs are organ-driven heavy rock in the very tradition of Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. Fans of those bands are almost sure to be won over. This album is a gem of early UK progressive hard rock, and before the band turned to a more R&B style on Red Sea. Just as Rod Evans proved his talents with Captain Beyond, so did Nicky Simper prove that he was a hard rock soldier to be reckoned with. It was Deep Purple's loss. This album rocks!

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

When Deep Purple made the change and Rod Evans (Vocals) and Nick Simper (Bass) were gone, the latter would become part of one of the most underrated and powerful bands of the 1970's.

The debut from Warhorse (Self-titled) may not have gotten the global appreciation that Deep Purple has (Well deserved) but they could be proud of the contents.

If this will be your initial listening, the album gets cooking after the first cut "Vulture Blood." For those that thought they were going to hear Black Sabbath style metal, Warhorse (Especially with the organ) is closer to the great sound of Deep Purple during their first two LP's.

"Burning" and "Ritual" are standout selections. The compositions range from roughly four to eight minutes and are constructed to get the maximum effect with the unnecessary overkill.

The music is intense, adventurous, and original enough (Excluding one track) to call their own. One fascinating note is the cover of a song the Easybeats were known for "St. Louis."

Look for the release with the bonus tracks four live cuts and a Nick Simper demo. The fidelity is terrific with a good mix all the way through.

After digesting the fine rock and roll for the next meal look for the second album "Red Sea."

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

When the record was released, I was just 11. I think I bought it the following year, at 12. Getting my first money from my parents, I went to the store to buy a used record. By the time, I was just listening french rock, my country music.
The album costed me all I have in my pocket, but it made me discover real rock. Now I am 50, and I can't wait to get my CD of Warhorse. In my mind and in my heart, one of the greatest bands ever...

Warhorse is a really good hard rock band from the early 70's. Some of the guitar soloing reminds me of Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath, while the bluesy solos sound a bit like Ritchie Blackmore.

I think the lead singer is like the guy from the Texas rock band, Bloodrock, who released their first album in 1970 as well. Sometimes he comes off kind of obnoxious, like in "Ritual" where it's REALLY hard getting into those vocals the first time you hear them. With some time and patience however, it all seems to click.

"Vulture Blood" is just a really good heavy rock song with a speedy guitar riff and fast vocals. Good stuff. "Burning" should have been a classic because the vocals are really spectacular, the organ work is just brilliant, and the guitar solos are comparable to Deep Purple (and that's a compliment!)

Overall, just quality hard rock from the early 70's.

A very "PURPLE" album due to the Jon Lord-style, Hammond organ, the Gillan-esque wails of vocalist Ashley Holt, and the presence of former DP bassist, Nick Simper.
Great disc!

THIS BAND WAS A FALLEN STAR BUT ITS FAME IS FOREVER. IT SHOWS WHAT KIND OF ROCK MUSIC WAS ON TOP IN THE GOLDEN ERA. IT'S A PITY, BUT THERE WASN'T A VISIBLE HIT, A SONG TO REMEMBER. IT DOESN'T MATTER, THE WORK IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE POST PSYCHO BAND. A NICE CHOICE FOR THE BEGINNERS.