Boomerang

New York's early-'70s hard rock band Boomerang entered the scene possessing firmer industry ties and deeper musical lineage than most comparable newcomers, yet the group never reached the sales levels anticipated, leaving their pursuit of widespread recognition both brief and unsatisfying. After Vanilla Fudge's rhythm section of Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice departed in 1970 to launch the hard rock outfit Cactus, vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein first weighed the option of continuing with substitute players before concluding that he would advance more effectively by pursuing fresh opportunities. Rejecting Atlantic Records chief Ahmet Ertegun's proposal to cut a solo record, Stein instead assembled a new ensemble to front, which became the short-lived Boomerang. Drummer James Galluzi and bassist/vocalist Jo Casmir, both Vanilla Fudge enthusiasts hailing from nearby Poughkeepsie, New York, joined forces with teenage guitar prodigy Ricky Ramirez, and the quartet immediately began composing and practicing original songs in a blues-based hard rock style that proved considerably more direct than Vanilla Fudge's approach. Boomerang secured a contract with RCA and released their self-titled debut album in 1971, only to struggle soon afterward because of underwhelming concert performances and Mark Stein's waning drive. The shared management arrangement with the far more prosperous Cactus added further awkward tensions, and although a follow-up album was completed, a discouraged and apathetic Stein ultimately chose to abandon both the unreleased material and the band's prospects altogether.