Album review: FLASH – In The USA Live Recordings 1972-73 (3-CD set)

Think Like A Key Music [Release date 09.09.22]

Flash were a post-Yes vehicle for guitarist Peter Banks. In the UK at least they may have attracted more attention for their “risqué” album covers after they’d signed for Sovereign/EMI in 1971.

The band achieved some success and recognition in the States and this 3-CD set collects several recordings during a period of one year (August 1972-August 1973).

The collection is really well annotated and the source of each recording is listed, including audience and off-air radio broadcasts. The main variable here is the sonic quality and the booklet acknowledges that.

Of main interest to collectors, some of whom may already have these recordings, there is inevitable setlist duplication. This compilation revolves around three key tracks, the minor “hit” ‘Small Beginnings’ (4 versions), ‘Black And White’ (4 versions) and ‘Children Of The Universe’ (5 versions).

CD-2 offers the best quality with the four tracks taken from a FM radio broadcast which first appeared as Psychosync (Voiceprint, 1997) when ‘There No More’ was announced as ‘Room With A View’. (For completists there is also a live gig from early 1973 called In Public released in 2013).

There are two tracks on CD-3 from an off-air recording, ‘Dead Ahead’ and ‘Psychosync’ (also included on the earlier Psychosync album). And the third CD concludes with the rare live tracks ‘The Bishop’ and ‘Manhattan Morning’.

Flash often evoke early Wishbone Ash with their spirited fusion of rock and prog. Banks had his own idiosyncratic guitar style, redolent of early Yes of course, but was also influenced by Jan Akkerman (Focus) and they collaborated on the ‘Two Sides Of ‘ solo album released in 1973.

In spite of attempts to revive the band, prior to Banks’ death in 2013, Flash remain a little of their time. Vocalist Colin Carter comments about the band “We did some good stuff. Songs were long, and our trousers were tight” is a pretty good epitaph. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

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