From The Archives: 70s Vol 5 – Budgie – Bandolier

Published by

Fox Reviews Rock

on

26th Dec 2025

This is “From The Archives” a feature where we take a trip back to a previous decade and discuss an album! We will talk about highlight tracks that should not be missed. As well as reasons why we think the album was so influential and successful.

The Album Breakdown

Released in 1975 this album showcased Budgie’s mix of heavy metal, hard rock and quirkiness. It is the bands creative peak in my opinion mixing big riffs with melodic hooks. It is also much more polished than their earlier albums.

Strengths

The balance between heaviness and melody works really well, the riffs are both powerful but more importantly memorable. The bass works give the band a unique character in the 70’s hard rock stage.

Weaknesses

If someone is expecting straight up hard rock then the bands quirky song writing might put people off. Production wise while it was an improvement compared to albums of the era it is still a bit poor.

Highlight Tracks

Paring a driving rhythm with a massive vocal performance, the blend of emotion and big riffs is impressive. It allowed the band to create drama without needed to make it over complicated.

Budgie – I Can’t See My Feelings (All Rights Are Retained By Budgie)

This two part song mixes heavy riffs, with progressive elements and the unexpected. The bands flair for storytelling and experimental side make this great especially as it stays inside the hard rock framework.