Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow [CD]

I described 'Playground For Life' as a growing up for Glyder, it was a wee bit too dark and heavy for my taste. 'Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow' is Glyder grown-up, mature and reflective. The new album harks back to their self-titled first album - a personal favourite - and it reflects the journey they have travelled over the last two years; the highs and the lows of being up one minute and down the next. From the highlights of opening for the likes of Gotthard, Y&T and Metallica ... to playing the small gigs the band depend on for their very survival. 'Take Me Back To The Water' ... a song to childhood, when it all seemed so simple, to Glyder's origins, before they collided with the harsh, cynical reality of trying to 'make it' in this modern age of torrent sharing and downloading, before they even have one foot on the ladder.

'One Of Us (Is Gonna Go Down)' ... it won't be me ... or Glyder ... a paen to their inner-strength as a unit.

'That Line' picks you up and takes you off on the latest Glyder flight (apologies for the bad puns), a no-nonsense rocker in the vein of some great bands from before.
Then there's 'Knockout' ... the ringside commentary style fully incorporated in the song ... then the hook ... 'You know there's gonna be a knockout' ... killer chorus!
'Jack Strong', think B-western, think Deadwood (the US TV series) ... think nobody messes with us ... the most mild-mannered guys ... but if provoked, we take no prisoners.
'Innocent Eyes', drummer Davy Ryan's songwriting debut and what a stunner, so poppy, it hurts, shades of The Beatles ... Glyder's influences are wide-ranging and should never be confined to Lynott/Gallagher.
'Make A Change' ... make a decision, make your mind up for yourself ... don't believe the bs that Glyder are just a Lizzy tribute band or too melodic ... listen to them and give them a chance.
'The Bitter End' ... beautiful song, The Manic Street Preachers couldn't have written it better ... but Glyder are equally as unfamilar with the Manics material as surely the Manics are with Glyder.
'Back To The Water' - see above
'One Of Us' - again see above ... I defy you to not sing along.
'Always The Loser' - to my mind, weakest track on the album, strong delivery but ode to self-pity.
'Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow' - sums up the album; a look back to how far Glyder have come but how long the road ahead maybe ... from opening for Dave Meniketti and Y&T and the huge, faithful following they still command ... will Glyder ever attain the same status?

A pause before the bonus tracks ... good move as they don't 'belong' on the album ... maybe this is the direction Glyder are heading, personally, I hope not. Nice as the songs are, Glyder are a rock band, I hope they don't get side-tracked or confused which way they should be heading.

'Elverstown' though is a stunning instrumental to close the album ... 90 seconds long ... turn up the volume and be prepared to get goose-bumps!

I'm an unashamed Glyder fan but no one forced me to take the time to write this; it's up to your own judgement whether you gamble your hard-earned cash and buy the album, and support the band ... or source it illegally ... I hope you choose the former.

Phil O

After two stunning albums I actually thought to myself Glyder might have used up all their big guns a bit too early. Not so though, and it became apparent to me that a band with this much talent and creativity would always have room to progress, delelop and explore new areas wihtin their own dynamic sound zone.

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is the first Glyder album that really tests the listener (which in my opinion all good albums need to do a little bit). While both the first two albums are excellent rock albums in their own right, when listened to in the context of this illustrious third, one can really see the fruits of a band working, learning and practicing together over a number of years.

There is a punchy beginning to the album with a trio of classic Glyder style songs culminating in the riff heavy "Jack Strong", but as with the majority of the Glyder songs, a refreshing melody is never far away, this time provided by the vocals of Tony Cullen off the main chorus.

The tempo and volume are notched up further with "Make a Change", which starts off quick but gets even quicker as the drumming by Davy Ryan leads the change in tempo- a real rocking number that gets better with each listen. Glyder have a distinct sound now and have tempered some of their early Lizzy references in exchange for a more rounded sound. Even when the twin guitars are used to sublime effect in "The Bitter End", it really works in the context of the song, and matched by the soulfullness of Tony Cullen's vocal, which in my opion is his best sung song on the album. All through the album influences abound- Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Iron Maiden. The opening riff of "One of Us" even has a slight ring of early Asia to it. But all these influences just help shape the Glyder sound which, with this third album, is alive and kicking.

Tailing off then from the bluesy arrogance of "Always the Loser" and thought provoking title track (containing a guest solo from Y&T guitarist Dave Meniketti) to the excellent bonus tracks this is not an album any modern rock fan wants to miss. This is classic rock at it's very VERY best.

I am no good at doing in depth reviews of albums, I'll leave that to those who have gone before me, I just know what I like and I like this album - a lot. Go on - just buy it.

BOC