LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Die-cut gatefold sleeve

The English hard rock band Stray released their self-titled debut album back in 1970. In their early years they were influenced by the psychedelic and acid rock music. These influences are combined with their progressive and hard rock outfit. The different melodies of their energetic songs marks one of the greatest impressions of early metal. The 9-minute "All In Your Mind" fades in with drums and cymbals ticking away on a steady rhythm, before the guitar enters with one of the first of many riffs. "In Reverse/Some Say" has everything from dual guitar lines, minor chord progressions ala Black Sabbath, and galloping pacing to boot. Two of the many highlights on this versatile record which brought this UK band a cult following.

Stray didn't achieve any commercial success with its record releases, but proved to be a popular draw on the local club scene in the '70s. In 2003 they supported Iron Maiden on several of their European dates.

Track listing:

Side A

• All In Your Mind
• Taken All The Good Things
• Around The World In Eighty Days
• Time Machine

Side B

• Only What You Make It
• Yesterday's Promises
• Move On
• In Reverse / Some Say