Biography: Boasting one of the most thinly veiled references to smoking pot this side of British act Leaf Hound, Primevil's only album, Smokin' Bats at Campton's (Dave Campton being their lead singer; "bats" being, well, you know), was originally recorded in 1974, but only found its way onto CD some 20 years later. Now, the record is frequently cited as a bona fide stoner rock touchstone (whether anyone could find a copy to be influenced by or not, in the interim), and its eight cuts run a wide gamut featuring surprisingly refined songcraft and impressive musicianship, as well as semi-improvised efforts and unfocused jam waffling. The best qualities among these are all exemplified within the opening trio set off by the standout "Leavin'," with its acoustic passages and stop-start riffs, the hard-driving "Progress," with its funky bass, wailing harp and twin guitar midsection, and the instrumental six-string showcase "Fantasies," which recalls Fly by Night-era Rush, but was in fact recorded one year earlier. On the other hand, forgettable rockers like "Pretty Woman" and "Tell Me If You Can" don't fare nearly as well, stumbling on some truly awful lyrics from Campton amid their boring, sub-Cactus-like thud. Likewise, the white-knuckled romp, "Hey Lover," was allegedly whipped together in one night -- and sounds like it, but at least it possesses a certain rough charm à la Sir Lord Baltimore. Back on firmer ground, the memorable "High Steppin' Stomper" actually shows traces of glam rock (must be that hand-clapping and boot-stomping), but then the closing "Your Blues" screws it up again by offering nothing but -- you guessed it -- lazy blues jams, serving no foreseeable purpose aside from framing some searing lead guitar flights, and acting as album filler. Even with all of these inconsistencies, though, Smokin' Bats at Campton's is a true relic that's still well worth excavating by stoner rock enthusiasts, who are bound to enjoy its sporadic triumphs as much as they'll be captivated by its modest D.I.Y. origins.
allmusic.com
Tracklist:
01.Leavin' 3:57
02.Progress 3:27
03.Fantasies 6:07
04.Pretty Woman 3:14
05.Tell Me If You Can 5:16
06.Hey, Lover 2:41
07.High Steppin' Stomper 4:30
08.Your Blues 7:29
Primevil:
Dave Campton - lead vocals, harp, percussion, electric chair
Mel Cupp - drums
Larry Lucas - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
Mark Sipe - bass guitar
Jay Wilfong - electric guitar, screams
Moe Whittemore - synthesizer
2 commenti:
Band was from near Indianapolis, IN. Their only release was recorded and produced in 1974 at Moe Whittemore’s studio in Indiana, US. Originally a private and limited vinyl release in 1974 on the 700 West label (they also released the Zerfas album a year earlier). Primevil’s "Smokin’ Bats at Campton's"(The album title references the consumption of Marijuana at Primevil front man Dave Campton’s home, in case you were wondering) , is one of the heavy rock monsters of the Midwest. With a heaviness that sounds like Black Sabbath lead by two virtuoso guitarists Jay Wilfong and Larry Lucas, and their twin six string attack was the main driving force for the eight tracks featured on the album. Their chemistry can be heard on “Hey, Lover” allegedly composed and recorded in one night in Whittemore’s New Palestine studio. Not forgetting also the rhythm section of Mel Cupp & Mark Sipe,keyboards by Mo Whittemore and the expressive vocals of Dave Campton, all making Primeval a very formidable outfit indeed. The overall sound is bluesy hard rock, very much in the style of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath,as well as what have been pointed out before as similarities with early Captain Beyond and The James Gang. The mix of styles is great; with a lot of musical complexity, frequent guitar solos over funky drums and rumbling fuzzy bass and great attitude filled vocals that sound way ahead of their time. In Summary; It may not live up entirely to the hype surrounding it, but Smokin’ Bats At Campton’s is a very good album that everyone who likes both Classic Rock and Stoner Rock and Stoner Metal should check out without hesitation. This is an album of large historical interest that also stands up on its own merits, especially in terms of lead guitar and more than worthy of a place in your collection.
Solidboy : Thanks for sharing it.
Adamus67 : Thanks for all the information.
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