Search - Groundhogs :: Back Against the Wall

An Overlooked Gem from the 80's

Kirk Shorting | Toronto, Canada | 10/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had the pleasure of enjoying this remarkable piece of work by Tony McPhee for 14 years. And on a vinyl release at that. When this LP came out in 1986, I thought for sure that the accessibility of this album might propel the Groundhogs into the North American musical mindset and accomplish a spot on the top 100 list for the year. It would have been long overdue and much deserved. Alas, this work went mostly unnoticed except by Groundhog fans.If you like blues and rock, you will not be disappointed by this release. The album is strongly rooted in blues and rock traditions but achieves a level of originality not all too common. These are finely crafted tunes played with style by a master rock/blues guitarist. As I sit here listening to Waiting in Shadows while writing this review, I feel the same sense of excitement created by such rock classics as Jumpin' Jack Flash. The lead break on Ain't No Slayer brings immediate attention to the song as any classic should. The lyrics are far beyond the usual base sentiment expressed by rock artists. This is a man who has used his music to try and truly touch the souls of his audience and he has succeeded for those who take a listen.If you have never experienced the Groundhogs before, I recommend that this be your first purchase. Fans of the band may argue the merits of past works of genius by McPhee such as Black Diamond, but Back Against the Wall is an easier introduction to the band. Once acquainted with the Groundhogs, the listener can move on to the heavier style of this band in earlier and later releases.The final cut on the CD is called 54146. This is a reference to the serial number of the Gibson SG guitar stolen from Tony. if you find it, do an artist a favour and return the instrument he loved and lost."