At The Gallop

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 400EUR 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.

* Insert featuring rare photos and in-depth liner notes by Jeremy Cargill (Got Kinda Lost Records / Ugly Things Magazine).

* LP includes free digital download coupon

“Emerging from the giant shadow cast by the greatness of Thin Lizzy, this obscure band with a venomous guitar attack, and dual vocalists that kick ass and take names, puts the ‘ire’ in Ireland and delivers with a sound that’s not for the squeamish”
– Rich Haupt (Rockadelic Records / The Acid Archives)

Tracklist :

1. Ireland (The Wild One)
2. Down On The Town
3. First Day
4. You Got It Made
5. At The Gallop
6. Stomp Stomp Stomp*
7. You Hate It To Turn*

SIDE 2
1. Guinness Rock
2. Hoodwinked (Instrumental)
3. Nothing Left To See
4. Deal Me In
5. Dawson’s Fun Palace
6. Guinness Rock (45 Version)*

*Bonus Tracks