Commander Sozo & the Charge of the Light Brigade

Description

Commander Sozo & the Charge of the Light is the sixth studio album by the American rock combo DeGarmo & Key Band, released on Power Discs in 1985. “Destined To Win” was covered by the hip-hop group E.T.W. on their 1991-album entitled Stop! The Wild Hype.

In the beginning, there were moments when this duo sounded more like the white rock’n’soul of Hall & Oates than anything else but by the time this album came out in the mid ’80s they had developed a throbbing, edgier sound embracing a specific style of synth-driven new wave which had been popular in the early ’80s. This works particularly well on opening cuts «Active» and «Competition» which romp along nicely without succumbing to the band’s other American bombastic rock of the era. It’s all throbbing synths, clunky ’80s drums and Dana Key’s edgy guitars but it has its own charm. There are lighter moments of course and the band’s usual spiritual concerns are aired so you get apathy tackled on «Charge Of The Light Brigade» and «No More Goodbyes» reminds believers about the realities of Heaven. The return of Jesus is celebrated in phased, spaced out fashion on «Jesus Is Coming». But the absolute standout track here is «Destined To Win» where the band team up with gospel artist Jessy Dixon for a rousing inspirational moment wrapped around an immense hooky chorus. Worth hearing the album just for that song! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/commander-sozo/716215924)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Activate”
A2. “Competition”
A3. “Temporary Things”
A4. “Apathy Alert”
A5. “Charge Of The Light Brigade”

Side Two
B1. “Destined To Win”
B2. “No More Goodbye”
B3. “Jesus Is Coming”
B4. “Rise Up”
B5. “Casual Christian”

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Power Discs. Later re-issued on CD. Remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and re-issued on CD in 2022 by Girder Music, housed in a jewel case with expanded booklet featuring photos and lyrics.