In Hearing Of

Judging by the success of their last album and single, this was indeed the year of the Rooster (though technically, it was the Year of the Boar). Another single, this time penned by John Du Cann, was released in July. “Devil’s Answer” b/w “The Rock” was a hit, reaching No. 4 on the UK charts. However, the creative differences between Du Cann and Vincent Crane had come to a head. Crane recruited vocalist Pete French, formerly in Leafhound, to re-record Du Cann’s vocals on the nearly completed album. In retrospect, it was a good addition; French is a more accomplished vocalist and the album, In Hearing Of, rates as Atomic Rooster’s finest. “Breakthrough” and the instrumental “A Spoonful of Bromide Helps the Pulse Rate Go Down” are fierce rockers. But again, the quieter tracks best demonstrate Crane’s significant talent. He switches to piano for the bittersweet “Decision/Indecision” while the sublime “Black Snake” proves Crane’s expert command of the Hammond organ (and offers a rare vocal from him as well). Drummers also take note: Paul Hammond is superb throughout. The album’s strength, though, is its songwriting, giving it a continuity that the band’s previous efforts lacked. Of some minor note to prog rock punters, the album cover and gatefold sport one of Roger Dean’s most un-cosmic creations. The album reached No. 18 in the UK charts. Yet both Hammond and Du Cann would depart the band-forming the hard-rocking Hard Stuff with John Gustafson. Crane, with French, recruited guitarist Steve Bolton and drummer Ric Parnell for the subsequent tour, which included a supporting slot for The Who at George Harrison’s UK Concert for Bangladesh.