Misunderstood (Bonus Track) (Jmlp) (24bt) (Jpn)

Fully Remastered Audio / London-based hard rockers make significant strides with (final) album / Produced by Damon Lyon-Shaw (Status Quo, Golden Earring) / Includes, 'Seems So Easy', 'Crossed Line' & 'Searching The Clouds', plus 2 Bonus Tracks / 16 page full-colour booklet, 4,500 word essay with new interviews & enhanced artwork. WHEN IT comes to exploring the early years of the British hard rock scene there's no better place to start that with London-based five-piece Strider. A staple of the live circuit, the band built a reputation for lean and mean, blues-based rock, securing a solid and faithful following throughout the UK and Europe. It was also a group that featured a couple of members who went on to be well-known after Strider; guitarist Gary Grainger who went on to play with Rod Stewart and drummer Tony Brock who would later join the Babys. Two individuals with a solid reputation and careers forged directly from the ashes of Strider. 'Misunderstood' is the band's second album, recorded once again for GM Records the label helmed by Billy Gaff, manager of the Faces and Rod Stewart. Produced by Damon Lyon-Shaw, who had cut his teeth as a recording engineer for the Who and Status Quo, the album contains an impressive selection of tracks that showcase the appointment of new vocalist Rob Elliott, a man with a rich voice and a signature delivery. This time around the band focussed exclusively on self-penned material, writing, and executing a batch of songs that grabbed the listener by the scruff of the neck and commanded attention. Amongst all this goodness are stand out tracks such as 'Searching The Clouds', 'Seems So Easy', 'Crossed Lines' and the adventurous 'Wing Tips'. Despite delivering such a robust album and touring with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, the Faces and Status Quo, sadly and unfairly the band failed to make any commercial progress.