Nuclear Nightclub

In 1974, Jim Pembroke released a solo album, Pigworm, featuring members of both Wigwam (past and present) and Tasavallan Presidentti. Wigwam then added guitarist Pekka Rechardt for a farewell tour and live album, Live Music From The Twilight Zone, the final release from the band's (more or less) original lineup. However, a contract from Virgin Records may have enticed some of the band to reconsider. Now consisting of Pembroke, Rechardt and drummer Ronnie Österberg, Wigwam added keyboardist Esa Kotilainen and Tasavallan Presidentti's bassist Måns Groundstroem to their lineup. Under Pembroke and Rechardt's guidance, Wigwam released 1975's Nuclear Nightclub. Although moving to (more or less) mainstream rock, the album still has much to offer to the progressive listener. "Nuclear Nightclub" features Pembroke's soothing voice and an easy-feeling from the band; Rechardt's clean-tone guitar is a great addition. The Rechardt-penned "Freddie Are You Ready" is chock-full of luscious melodies and Pembroke's quirky prose and vocals. "Bless Your Lucky Stars" offers an edge, while "Do Or Die" kicks the electricity up a notch, as does the closing "Pig Storm." Pembroke's "Save My Money & Name" is a perfect example of his way with melody; few songwriters could write hooks with such conviction. Produced by Stone The Crows' Ronnie Leahy, 1976's Lucky Golden Stripes And Starpose continued down the same path, offering another installment of Pembroke and Rechardt's tunes. Pembroke next released a solo album, Corporal Cauliflowers Mental Function for Love Records. However, after one final release in 1977, the again excellent Dark Album, the band would dissolve. Both Gustavson and Pohjola embarked on solo careers, the latter releasing a couple of albums on Virgin Records before joining Mike Oldfield's touring band late in the decade. Sadly, Österberg committed suicide in 1980.