When the story of Canadian pomp rock is revisited, surely mention must be made of the band Rose. Though not as a high profile as fellow countrymen Prism for instance, this band would be the springboard for at least three of their members to future successful acts.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Rose
ALBUM: A Taste Of Neptune
LABEL: Polydor
SERIAL: 2424-136
YEAR: 1977
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Ron Glatley – keyboards, guitars, percussion, vocals * Brian Allen – guitars, vocals * Gary Lalonde – bass, vocals * Jim Fox – drums, percussion, vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 Ride Away * 02 Snakes And Ladders * 03 Marie (Where Have You Gone) * 04 Bangin’ My Head * 05 Against The Wall * 06 Aquarian * 07 Don’t Surrender * 08 Yet It Follows Me Still * 09 A Taste Of Neptune
Background
When the story of Canadian pomp rock is revisited, surely mention must be made of the band Rose. Though not as a high profile as fellow countrymen Prism for instance, this band would be the springboard for at least three of their members to future successful acts.
Formed in the early 70’s by Glatley and Allen, the earlier origins of Rose go back to the town of Barrie, located north of Toronto on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Signed to GAS Records in 1973, the band mixed playing a live circuit of covers to rehearsing original material, which culminated in their first recording ‘Hooked On A Rose’.
Their earlier style was raw and energetic rock, which would later be refined. That first album of material was eventually bought back by the band when their record label folded in 1974. Building upon their base with more demos, Rose distributed them widely, eventually securing a new deal with Polydor in 1976. By the following year, they had released their debut Polydor recording ‘A Taste Of Neptune’.
Migrating to a progressive rock style, Rose had moved into the same territory as bands like the aforementioned Prism, Trooper, Crowcuss and Avalon, though their material was more earthy.
The Songs
The lead-off track ‘Ride Away’ swirls all over the progressive landscape, with threads linked to Kansas, especially those Steve Walsh flavoured keyboard lines and Kerry Livgren like guitar tone.
Glatley takes the lead on ‘Snakes And Ladders’, a standard rock theme with some prog like departures through the middle. ‘Marie (Where Have You Gone?)’ is a softer ballad, but the band don’t stay there for too long, as ‘Bangin’ My Head’ returns to an upbeat sound.
‘Against The Wall’ features a load of swirling synth and wurlitzer, and when mixed with some nice acoustic guitar the effect is very good. ‘Aquarian’ was released as the band’s single off the album. It’s somewhat similar to Supertramp but weaker.
‘Don’t Surrender’ would prove to be the band’s ‘mixed bag of licorice allsorts’. Many styles and flavours are contained within. It may sound tasty, but it isn’t. The closing title track ‘A Taste Of Neptune’ is a majestic nautically inspired piece, that floats on a bed of strings and synth. It’s probably the most progressive track on the album, and finishes the album in style.
In Summary
The band toured Canada on the back of this record, and followed it up before years end (1977) with their second Polydor LP ‘Judgement Day’. However, the band were dropped after a second Canadian tour in 1978 after failing to deliver a ‘hit’ single.
Not to be outdone, Allen and Fox would join female fronted hard rockers Toronto and see success during the early 80’s. Lalonde would also join Toronto in 1982 but his success was later to be found with AOR band Honeymoon Suite.
Rose were a decent 70’s era band which when listened to in the 21st century might sound a little bit dated, but certainly worth a mention here at Glory Daze.
Rose on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
