Though the Prism debut had some good moments, ‘See Forever Eyes’ – their sophomore effort had much better tracks. It is a mix of rabble-rouser rockers plus some purpose-built pomp that fans of Roadmaster and Styx would be interested in.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Prism
ALBUM: See Forever Eyes
LABEL: Ariola
SERIAL: SW 50034
YEAR: 1978
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Ron Tabak – lead vocals * Lindsay Mitchell – lead guitar, vocals * Al Harlow – rhythm guitar, vocals, bass * John Hall – keyboards * Rocket Norton – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Hello * 02 Flyin’ * 03 Nickels And Dimes * 04 Crime Wave * 05 You’re Like The Wind * 06 N N N No * 07 Take Me Away * 08 You’re My Reason * 09 Just Like Me * 10 See Forever Eyes
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Most readers of this site will know of the history of this Vancouver based outfit. The members came together from a mixture of histories and experiences, but by the time this album came to the market, Prism had already undergone changes. The band formed in 1976 under the direction of future Loverboy manager Bruce Allen.
The first three foundation members were singer Ron Tabak, guitarist Lindsay Mitchell and drummer Jim Vallance, going under the pseudonym of Rodney Higgs. Other members to appear on their 1977 debut included Tom Lavin, bassist Ab Bryant (Headpins, Chilliwack) and keyboardist John Hall.
Though the Prism debut had some good moments, ‘See Forever Eyes’ – their sophomore effort had much better tracks. It is a mix of rabble-rouser rockers plus some purpose-built pomp that fans of Roadmaster and Styx would be interested in.
The Songs
Roadmaster and Styx I hear you say? For sure. Take a listen to the keyboard bombast of John Hall on the title track ‘See Forever Eyes’ (right at the end of the album), plus the majestic pomp of the lead off track ‘Hello’. Tell me that track isn’t a Roadmaster cast-off?
If you thought those two were stunning, try the second track ‘Flyin’ for a bit of Styx-ian grandiosity. John Hall has obviously sat down and listened to ‘The Grand Illusion album once too often! Good man I say!
Ron Tabak’s high tenor vocals are prominent on ‘Take Me Away’ (sounding nasal like even), and he leads the way on the fun-time rocker ‘Nickel And Dimes’ plus the guitar rocker ‘Just Like Me’. The band chuck in a few ‘softies’ to balance out the rockers. The lilting ‘You’re Like The Wind’ and ‘You’re My Reason’ are a couple of ballads that fill out the album.
In Summary
This album consolidated Prism’s appeal in Canada, and the band would go on to further cement their position with two more albums ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Young And The Restless’. After those two efforts, the band headed into murky waters, losing singer Ron Tabak, signing to a new label (Capitol) and all this amid growing discontent within the ranks. Further reviews of Prism material can be read as per the tag link below.
Prism on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
