Pentagram - First Daze Here Too (2006)

'First Daze Here Too' is the second collection of demos and 7" vinyl recordings released by the original Pentagram line-up, which lasted from 1971 to '76. Over those years the band would go into the studio several times, they wrote close to eighty original songs, changed names numerous times, performed live regularly, they had Gene and Paul from KISS watch them rehearse and they even traveled to New York to record a 3-track demo for Columbia Records, but they never quite made it.

Musically the songs within this collection are much more representative of the time period they were wrote, and as such, they have a very strong 70's or classic rock sort of vibe to them and not so much the heavy doom metal sound the band would later adapt years later in the 80's with a completely different line-up. Perhaps what really sets them apart though is just how fluid and energetic the bulk of these songs are and the overall musicianship is way above average. Vincent McAllister is an underrated and unknown guitar God whose riffs and solos are quite simply breathtaking and rock just as hard if not even harder than most other rock n' roll guitarists of the time (or past). Greg Mayne's bass guitar is audible, heavy and has total class, while Geof O'Keefe's drum work is implausibly superb and of course Bobby Liebling's vocals are filled with such passion and drive that its hard to believe anything could stop this gang.

Songs like, 'Smokescreen' or 'Teaser' have a total 70's vibe to them with such dexterity and energy, while the Rolling Stones and Yardbirds cover songs are dead on and tight as hell. 'Much Too Young To Know' is the song that stands out the most for me and goddamn what a song it is. The excitement, groove and drive within this song is... I don't even have a word for it. Rocks, it just freakin' rocks! Wow, is all I can after hearing this song... and those vocals, those fucking vocals! Just incredible, man!

Some of the songs on this compilation also have a strong funk rock sort of vibe to them, 'Yes I Do,' is one such example or the hilarious, 'Man,' which is a total anthem to men and their ladies serving them well. There's also a lot of early versions of songs that would be slightly re-arranged and re-recorded for albums years later. 'Ask No More,' 'Be Forwarned,' 'Show 'em How' and 'Everything's Turning to Night' to name a few, the later of which was just re-recorded on Pentagram's most recent studio album, 'Last Rites.' It's interesting hearing these early versions since in some cases I actually prefer these demos over their studio counterparts, but there's just something different and something special about these songs and this line-up. In some cases the production is very demo-ish, though the instruments and vocals are still fairly well heard, though they don't sound as clean as a proper studio session would make them sound.

The booklet is also quite well done with stories from Geof O'Keefe on the early years of Pentagram as well as the other members of the band plus some old photos, lyrics and notes on each of the songs within this compilation too.

'First Daze Here Too' isn't for everyone, but if you're already a fan of Pentagram or just enjoy that vintage groovy heavy rock sound of the 70's that's full of character and great musicianship then you really can't go wrong with this one. Its a trove waiting for you to discover.