Cromwell - At the Gallop (2016)

Initially self-released in 1975 by the Drumcondra, Dublin-based Cromwell, At The Gallop is a blistering, heavy, loud’n’lascivious ten track offering (thirteen in this expanded edition) of proto-metal infused street rock’n’roll from a time when Ireland was still under the sway of conservative showbands, quasi-religious, sentimental pop pap and traditional Irish music.

Despite their cultural struggles, Cromwell crafted a creative and compact catalog—five fuzzed’n’ferocious 45s and this footlong—led by co-vocalist/bassist Michael Kiely’s come hither coo and fey Jagger pose’n’preen, the in-the-pocket drumming of Derek Dawson and minor-guitar hero moves of Patrick Brady, exercising taste, talent and towering mountains of fuzz’n’fury as comfortably as greasy ‘70s raunch and rural modes. At The Gallop is a rare—fetching upwards of 400€ when the original LP does appear—little heard classic in the pub/ fried rock’n’roll /proto-punk terrain.

RIYL: Teenage Head/Flamingo-era Flamin’ Groovies, Mott The Hoople, ‘70s Stones, pre-punk American street rock and the Bonehead Crunchers series.

First time reissue, including bonus tracks from the group’s rare singles.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Cromwell - Ireland (The Wild One) (3:27)
1.02 - Cromwell - Down on the Town (3:33)
1.03 - Cromwell - First Day (3:24)
1.04 - Cromwell - You Got It Made (3:37)
1.05 - Cromwell - At the Gallop (2:25)
1.06 - Cromwell - Guiness Rock (4:15)
1.07 - Cromwell - Hoodwinked (Instrumental) (2:23)
1.08 - Cromwell - Nothing Left to See (4:07)
1.09 - Cromwell - Deal Me In (2:47)
1.10 - Cromwell - Dawson's Fun Palace (3:22)
1.11 - Cromwell - Stomp Stomp Stomp (Bonus Track) (2:48)
1.12 - Cromwell - You Have It to Turn On (Bonus Track) (3:40)
1.13 - Cromwell - Guiness Rock (45 Version - Bonus Track) (3:48)