Sunblind Lion - Above and Beyond

All Music Guide

Sunblind Lion's 1978 second release saw a few personnel changes occur within the band. New members would include keyboardist Dick Colbath Jr. and former Phase III bassist Larry Baldock. Mike Dellger who was a prominent lyricist on Observer and drummer for Love Society became their full-time drummer and continued his role as chief lyric writer. With the exception of the album's closing piece "The King and His Parliament," this recording barely resembles the prog-heavy content of its predecessor. Instead, this album is packed full of three to four-minute smart rock songs that didn't require the showcasing of the group's talented musicians with extended solos; rather, they played together quite tightly and efficiently on this record saving the bravura for the live shows. Cuts like "Hurry World" and "Family Plan" illustrate the diversity in their songwriting and their willingness to adapt to the late '70s changing musical climate without sounding overly contrived. - Dave Sleger, All Music ...Guide Read more Less