Nobody knew it, but
British Lions were nearing the end of their life span when this album was recorded, on the eve of recording the
Trouble with Women album that would prove their farewell before the end of the year. There are no indications of such dark days here, though, as a full San Francisco audience is held captive by one of the most remarkable hybrids of British rock: part
Mott the Hoople, part
Medicine Head, but wholly unique in both sound and approach, the British Lions deliver 11 tracks that owe nothing to their storied past beyond the sheer brilliance of the songwriting and the sheer strength of the musicianship. Vocalist
John Fiddler is certainly in fine form throughout, while the faithful old
Overend Watts/
Dale Griffin rhythm section powers the band unblinkingly. The show itself is devastating, then, but there is more to come in the shape of three excellent demos: "One More Chance to Run," "Booster," and the ferociously anthemic "Wild in the Streets."
–
Dave Thompson, Rovi