Out Of Reach was originally released back in 1985 and is now getting a CD re-issue on the Majestic Rock label. 

The sound and style is very typical of the time, with almost a Maiden-esque twin guitar approach. As with so many bands of that period, the members of Blind Fury had all played in various other British NWOBHM outfits, notably Satan, prior to getting together for this release and after their break-up the bassist and lead guitarist went on to join Martin Walkyier in Skyclad and, from what I understand, vocalist Lou Taylor is now a well known DJ in the rock club circuit in London. 

So what of the music??  Actually it’s rather better than many other albums of its type released in the mid-80s and I’m really quite surprised that this was their one and only album.  The guitar work in particular is really good and I can only repeat my comparison to the classic Smith / Murray partnership in Maiden to give you a feel of what to expect. Whilst perhaps not quite up to their more illustrious peers, Steve Ramsey and Russ Tippins have that classic duelling, melodic-tinged assault that so defined the Maiden sound at the time. 

When I read the song titles – Do It Loud, Evil Eyes, Out Of Reach for example – I was expecting pretty simple, standard rock fare, but several have a bit more to them than that. Mostly this is due to the great guitar hooks and melodies, but unfortunately I think they are let down a bit by Taylor’s vocals, which are unremarkable to say the least and do prove to be the album’s major weak point. 

I simply cannot finish this review without mentioning the absolutely embarrassing band member photos, particularly of the two guitarists, which adorn the back cover. I bet the guys involved had just recovered from 20 years of p*ss-taking when Majestic Rock decide to show them to the world again. Poor sods !!!!!!

Having said that, I think a debt of gratitude is due to the folks at Majestic Rock for re-issuing these old gems which many, many people will have missed out on first time around.  Some of them sound a bit dated, but at least we get to hear them again – top job guys !!

Let us know your views on 'Out Of Reach'

Track List

Do It Loud
Out Of Reach
Evil Eyes
Contact Rock 'N Roll
Living On The Edge
Dynamo
Back Inside
Dance Of The Crimson Lady Part II

Line Up

Lou Taylor - Vocals
Steve Ramsey - Guitar
Russ Tippins - Guitar
Graeme English - Bass
Sean Taylor - Drums