Banchee

Album Overview

"Thinkin'" is the second and final album by the American rock band Banchee, released in August 1971 through Polydor Records. This album followed their debut in 1969 and continues to explore the realms of rock, psychedelic rock, and hard rock. The band’s lineup includes Michael Gregory Marino on bass guitar and vocals, Peter Anthony Alongi on lead guitar and vocals, and Jose Miguel De Jesus on rhythm guitar and vocals, among others.

Production Details

The album was co-produced by Banchee themselves, with engineering handled by Dave Palmer and Ralph Moss. Michael Jeffery, known for managing Jimi Hendrix, served as the executive producer. The cover art, designed by Michael Kanarek, illustrates a stone castle with a mounted figure, providing a dramatic visual representation that complements the album's themes.

Musical Composition

Musically, "Thinkin'" offers a diverse range of sounds. The opening track, "John Doe," introduces listeners to the band’s energetic style. The title track "Thinkin'" features thoughtful lyrics and a compelling melody. Other songs like "Iceberg" and "Children Of The Universe" showcase the band's versatility, blending different rock elements seamlessly. The album's longest track, “38,” runs for 8 minutes and adds a progressive touch to the overall sound.

Personnel Changes

Notably, percussionist Fernando Luis 'Papo' Roman replaces Johnny Pacheco, who contributed to the band’s debut album. This change in the lineup reflects the band's evolution and adaptation during their brief career. The contributions of each member are evident throughout the album, with Marino, Alongi, and De Jesus providing strong vocal harmonies alongside their instrumental work.

Technical Aspects

The recording quality of "Thinkin'" benefits from the expertise of the engineering team, which captures the raw energy of Banchee's performances. The use of various guitar effects and percussion elements enhances the psychedelic rock influences present in the album. The overall production maintains clarity, allowing each instrument to shine through the mix.

Release Information

Banchee's "Thinkin'" was released under the catalogue number 24-4066. The album is available in vinyl format, reflecting the era's music distribution methods. It holds a unique place within the rock genre of the early 1970s.