Noble Records had three exclusives in October and they were all great, but this one stood out the most for me. It is from a band called Mammoth (not to be confused with the early Van Halen band or even Wolfgang’s Mammoth WVH). These guys were a Southern Rock band out of Florida and the album was recorded in 1981 at Relayer Studios in Deland, Florida. If you like Lynyrd Skynyrd and that Southern Rock sound, than Mammoth will be right up your alley. It is the first Exclusive Noble Records has done where I had actually heard of the band and had always been curious about them. The Noble Exclusive was limited to only 300 copies on a really cool purple colored vinyl. It sold out rather quickly.

The band consists of Bill Abell (Rhythm guitar), Ron Herman (Drums), Joey Costa (Bass) and Buzz Fetters (Lead Guitar) and apparently they all lent a hand to vocals as they don’t have a defined lead singer. Instead, the blend the vocals into each track that works to perfection. These guys are in your face, rocking it hard and are 100% authentic in their delivery. Hold on tight and get ready for a band that should’ve been bigger as they had the songs, the sound and the style. Riding Easy Records reminds us again of another great band that we all missed back in the day.

SIDE ONE:

The album kicks off with “Change the Run” and it simply explodes out of the speakers. The riffs are slick, fast and frenzied and the vocals are powerful and full of attitude. The guitar tones are in that sweet spot with wicked licks and ever so slight distortion. The drums and bass drive a rhythm section that pushes the song forward at a controlled, fast pace…oh yeah…and there is cowbell!! There is never enough cowbell!! But the highlight is that guitar and the solo..wow! What a blistering opening track.

With “Put Down The Blues”, they deliver an inspired bluesy rock track with a honky tonked, boogie-filled vibe. More attitude and a vocal delivery struts through each verse. Such confidence and swagger as the boys deliver another stellar, energy fueled track that doesn’t take its foot off the gas.

“Southern Sounds” is an ode to the Southern Rock sound. There is a nasty groove to this one and the harmonies are perfection. A full on Skynyrd vibe to this one and a little bit of sleaziness to it as well. The jam session at the end is worth waiting for as it delivers in spades. Rip-roaring goodness. A band that might’ve come around too late for the changing music scene in 1981. A few years earlier and this thing would’ve been at the top of the radio charts.

Then with “Thinkin’ ’bout You” we get a more acoustic feel and an almost country vibe with a hint of The Eagles and Skynyrd as well (okay, I’ll stop the Skynyrd comparisons, but I can’t help it). The song is inviting like a warm blanket. There is a smoothness to the music and to the vocals you feel relaxed at home at the same time.

The final track on Side One is “All Be Gone” and it takes a different trek. It is more 60’s psychedelic rock with a hint of folk music. However, when the song explodes, it is an all out rock & roll blast. More sensational guitar work and this time we get a more angry vocal performance with that same attitude. Man, it makes you eager to flip to over and see what Side Two has to offer, so let’s get to it.

SIDE TWO:

Side Two kicks off with another Southern Rock gem called “Outlaw” and this time think more of that band I won’t mention again and maybe even some ZZ Top. How this was not a hit, I will never know. The most radio friendly song of the bunch and a really catchy chorus. There are layered vocals on here that give it even more punch. The guitars are the ones that shine both lead and rhythm. They even have a few keyboard, laser sounding moments which is so crazy and cool at the same time. One of my favorite tracks on the album.

“Tell You” is up next and that guitar riff is pure Heart’s “Magic Man” and it shines throughout the song. A more hard rock sound on this one too and the shining piece is that bass groove. Some damn fine work. More synths used for some slight effects and even the drumming is freaking killer as the fills are spot on. A pretty rocking track and another one of my favorites.

Then we get a straight-up love song with “Take This Time”. The vocals are lighter and more atmospheric almost floating through the song. It gives me some more Eagles vine mixed with a little AOR.

And the final track even Kiss would be proud. It is “R.R.A.N.” or simply Rock & Roll All Nite. They don’t mention partying every day, but they probably could and they’d get it right. It starts off with some bombastic drum work, more cowbell and another dirty guitar riff. It has another catchy chorus and is pure rock & roll anthem goodness. What a great closer!!

Wow! This album just royally kicked my ass. It was so good from beginning to end. These boys were late to the Southern Rock party, but party they could. The guitar tones were smokin’, the percussion was bangin’ and the bass was groovin’. Not having a lead vocalist hurt nothing as the vocals were simply on point. These songs were rocking and made me miss the Southern Rock sound and want more of it. If you like Lynyrd Skynyrd and that Southern Rock sound then this will be right up your alley. Give it a spin and I would say go buy it, but good luck with that as Noble’s exclusives are already sold out. Worth a grab if you find it. My Overall Score is a 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars. I don’t have anything negative to say about it except maybe it is too short at only 9 tracks.