The Load – Load Have Mercy 1977 (USA, Symphonic Progressive Rock)
The second album was released in late 1977, but was sold in such limited quantities that many only heard it on CD when it was reissued in 1996. The trio moved to Los Angeles and spent two years working as session musicians (primarily with The Beach Boys). In 1979, they decided to call it a day and returned to Ohio. Facing a lack of commercial success and the desire of major labels to hear only disco, the group disbanded in early 1980, leaving behind two very good albums for prog fans.
Originally recorded in 1976 the 8 tracks are revealing a type of bombastic, classically (or by Christian religious music) inspired keyboard-driven Prog in the vein of ELP (or rather The Nice). Although sounding quite nice and as well being played very well I must say that this kind of music sounds rather dated for the time of its creation, moreover at times directionless and a bit of wishy-washy as if the musicians couldn't make up their mind whether they like to play Christian hymns, classical, blues, boogie or rock. Most of the tracks are instrumental which is a good thing since Sterling Smith's vocals aren't as impressing as his organ play dominating them. Every now and then there is a nice moog solo or some harpsichord. The music is mostly kept in an up-tempo pace with a solid rhythmic section provided by bass and drums with a couple of more quiet sections. On the occasion of first release of this record the band reunited in 1994 and recorded the bonus track "Eitel's Lament" fitting stylistically very well to the rest of the album. To sum up my review I would say that "Load Have Mercy" is a nice however quite dated record more in a proto-Prog vein which could be recommended if at all to fans of keyboard-driven instrumental Prog.Review by hdfisch
Tracks:
01. Mobilized - 0:00
02. One Is Gone - 6:26
03. Something Suite - 8:08
04. Richter Scale - 16:33
05. Interstellar Debris - 22:28
06. The Narrows - 25:48
07. Choices - 31:59
08. Too Much To Believe - 33:19
09. Eitel's Lament - 46:32
Personnel:
Sterling Smith – organ (Hammond), clavinet, synthesizer (Minimoogs), electric piano (Wurlitzer), piano, lead vocals
Dave Hessler – guitar (Fender), bass (Fender), acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Tom Smith - drums, percussion, backing vocals
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