Side 3

Description

In the series of albums that marked the adolescence of young French rock enthusiasts, and following the reissues of KLAXON and KAROLINE, here now is Full Speed Ahead by a band from Givors in the Rhône, GANAFOUL. Originally the band consisted of five members, it later became a trio: Jack Bon on guitars, Jean-Yves Astier on bass, and Yves Rothacher on drums. Just before the album's recording, the latter left the band and was replaced by Bernard Antoine. Full Speed Ahead was recorded in Angers at Studios Loury in August and September 1978 and released in October 1978. Bernard Antoine learned the band's repertoire by listening to cassettes while the trio traveled to Brittany for a series of concerts. The album contains nine tracks, eight written by Jack Bon and a cover of King Bee by bluesman Slim Harpo. This is the most accomplished album by Ganafoul. Blues, rock, with riffs blending influences from AC/DC or Status Quo. The title Full Speed Ahead announces a no-holds-barred rock album. A raspy voice born of sleepless nights, endless concerts, and rock 'n' roll passion, and a powerful rhythm section. Nothing More is pure, energetic rock 'n' roll that is far from outdated even today. The bass sound remains incredibly relevant. And Jack Bon proves his incredible dexterity with a superb rock 'n' roll and slide solo. I'm A King Bee is a blazing cover of the blues standard. Here it is transformed into a rock 'n' roll and even hard rock fury. The guitars are harsh, raw, and Jack Bon's voice reeks of whiskey and sweat. Superb. How can you resist the riff of Dealing Your Love? Impossible. A fast, rock 'n' roll, bluesy track on which the trio shows itself to be tight and relentless. They are only three and make noise like ten. Waiting For The Show is a fake live track (added crowd vocals). The atmosphere here is more soul, rhythm 'n' blues, and rock 'n' roll. An excellent catchy and invigorating chorus. Rock Gutter welcomes us with its heavy rhythm, its clean guitars, then it's an electric torrent that strikes us down. Here too, impossible to resist an irresistible chorus. Pure rock 'n' roll. A bass heavy as a penitentiary door, a wah wah guitar solid as a rock, that's King Size Killer. A rock bordering on hard rock. Fast, furious, urgent, with an aggressive and abrupt solo. Trying So Hard is a blues that slows the pace. A bit in the same vein as AC/DC's Ride On. Jack Bon also excels on slide. Far From Town is a relentless, agitated rock blues and closes Full Speed Ahead on a furious and frenetic note. Note the nice appearance of a bluesy harmonica. A homogeneous and energetic album that offers no respite. The album remains today an essential of French rock. Note the backing vocals from two legends of French rock: Robert "Little Bob" Piazza and Fabienne "Shakin' Street" Shine.