Amish, Canada-Ontario

Amish. 1972 Sussex

Amish were an Ontario based group who recorded their sole album in Detroit, due to the Sussex label having ties to Motown. Amish simply could be described as a hard rock / heavy prog band with Hammond organ and electric guitar providing the solo leads. But where Amish stands out is the superb progressive oriented organ work, and I really like the way they wah-wah-riff the rhythm guitar parts. There's even some strange throwback psychedelic era interludes that recall bands such as Stone Circus or even Strawberry Alarm Clock. They also cover Traffic's 'Dear Mr. Fantasy', a very interesting choice (though probably the weakest of the album). Every track is a winner, with 'Wise Man' being a highlight. If looking for comparisons, I'd offer up debut album era Uriah Heep, along with obscurities like fellow Ontario based Warpig and New York's Micah. Bassist Mike Gingrich later became a member of the progressive rock group Nightwinds. Strong album that comes recommended.

Priority: 2

9/17/10