ALPHA CENTAURI – ALPHA CENTAURI (Pacemaker Entertainment Ltd) HARD ROCK

Alpha Centauri may have been short-lived, but their self-titled debut album is an absolute classic of the hard rock genre. The band’s origins are a fascinating story in and of themselves – who would have thought that such a powerhouse group could have come together in the relatively obscure town of Greeley, Colorado by way of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada?

With Randy Thompson on keyboards and vocals, Jess Redmon on guitar and vocals, Kurt Smith on drums, and Garth Hannum on bass and vocals, Alpha Centauri quickly made a name for themselves as a top-tier live act. Touring the United States and opening for some of the biggest names in rock, they honed their craft and developed a sound that was uniquely their own.

When the band finally released their self-titled debut album in 1977, it was clear that all of that hard work had paid off. From the blistering guitar riffs of album opener ‘Hard Life’ to the epic ‘Love Is A Curse’, every track on the album is a masterpiece in its own right. Perhaps my favourite cut is the hugely catchy ‘Love Only You’, which is just instantly memorable, and highlights why Alpha Centauri should have been huge – Tom Scholz of Boston would have been proud to have written this song!

Even though they only released one album, Alpha Centauri continued to captivate audiences with their live performances and television specials throughout 1977 and 1978. And while it’s a shame that they never got around to recording a sophomore effort, the fact that their debut album was re-released in 1996 is a testament to its enduring popularity.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of hard rock and haven’t yet had the pleasure of listening to Alpha Centauri’s debut album, you’re missing out on something truly special. With their exceptional musicianship and Randy Thompson’s luscious vocals, this band was truly ahead of its time. Though they may have been short-lived, their music lives on as a testament to their incredible talent.