Album Review: Steve Harris - British Lion

During Bruce Dickinson's '90s absence from Iron Maiden, bassist Steve Harris remarked that The Air Raid Siren would make a country album if he thought it'd sell. Conversely, “Harry” has largely stuck to what he knows throughout the phenomenon he's piloted for decades, meaning his debut solo record piques one's curiosity. So identifiable is the band-leader with every facet of Maiden's enterprise, one understandably ponders that if he had something to say, he already had his vehicle within which to do so.

British Lion quickly makes a clear distinction - sometimes brooding, others up-tempo, '70s-influenced rock. Acknowledging UFO, The Who and others, its origins are in British Lion, a band Harris began mentoring 20 years ago. Long-time Maiden collaborator producer Kevin Shirley's mix creates familiarity; as do those twin guitars of the memorable Us Against The World. Elsewhere, Judas' straightahead hard rock meets the prog-minded A World Without Heaven. Richard Taylor's soaring vocals fit neatly on This Is My God and Karma Killer's swagger. The often low-key delivery lacks bombast Maiden-ites will seek though, and Taylor's not overly charismatic. There are rich, vibrant songs, but tepid tracks too; Eyes of the Young's rather twee.

The metal gods' extracurricular activities have been of mixed quality. Dickinson eventually made two ball-tearing records with axeman Adrian Smith, whose outside projects haven't always succeeded. Drummer Nicko McBrain even jammed with Sooty. Harris is excitedly pointing many a machine-gun bass at his influences, and with 80 million-plus records sold probably has earned the right to have a crack on his own. Perhaps us Antipodeans are better suited than most to embrace this proudly British collection, despite uneven results.