Atomic Rooster - Homework

Handed in late, unfinished: A-

Following the acclaim of their 1980 eponymous reformation album, Atomic Rooster moved from EMI to Polydor to record this unfinished, unreleased work. With guitarist John Du Cann undertaking most of the songwriting, the album tracks were demoed at his home studio. Du Cann plays all the instruments, with pianist Vincent Crane programming the drums for Paul Hammond to follow later on.

The programming gives Homework a new wave sound, especially on opener The Dukes Theme. There is a touch of sleazy rock’n’roll to other tracks such as Fool, sounding like a beefed-up mix of Slade and the Grease soundtrack. Of course, Du Cann’s outstanding guitar work augments his rough vocals well.

Being demos, these tracks lack the fire of that 1980 EMI album. If Polydor had let Atomic Rooster finish their Homework, however, it could have been fantastic. As a bonus here, there are six remarkable tracks from the two 1982 singles, Play It Again and End Of The Day. Featuring session bassist John McCoy, they’re evidence of what could have been: why the album was dropped on this evidence is truly odd. Live B-sides include Devil’s Answer and Tomorrow Night, which, along with some informative packaging, will please fans.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Angel Air | SJPCD 241

Reviewed by Joe Geesin
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