Strangeways

In 1985 brothers Ian on guitar and David Stewart on bass formed a Scottish quartet devoted to heavy AOR in the wake of China White’s dissolution. Drummer Jim Drummond and singer Tony Liddell completed the lineup for a self-titled debut issued that year. The album fused Americanized melodic AOR in the vein of Boston, Journey, and Kansas; Kevin Elson, noted for his association with Journey, handled production. Although the record exceeded most expectations, British listeners largely overlooked it.

On Native Sons, Atlanta native Terry Brock replaced Liddell, enabling the band to tighten its sound while advancing notably as songwriters. The album endures as one of the overlooked classics within the pomp-rock and AOR field. Walk In The Fire proved less immediate, its impact diminished by Brock’s hoarse and comparatively unrefined vocals. He exited in 1989 to audition for Deep Purple, an attempt that proved unsuccessful, after which the group issued further albums with Ian Stewart assuming lead vocals.