Not sure if that title sounds mystical or just stupid! Either way, Ram Jam (responsible for the one hit wonder of 'Black Betty') turn about face and construct this heavy metal record of some note. This one passed me by, probably because of too many rainy afternoon's listening to Black Sabbath, but this is pretty heavy, groove-based and slightly sexual rock 'n' roll ahead of its time. A one-off record of snake hips and dark corners, highlighted by Scavone's vocal delivery. Under stated to some extent, casual, effortless, at times dense and oaken with an air of mystery. Not in league with Satan by any means, 'Turnpike' is more of a song to drink yourself to death to, but 'Wanna Find Love' and 'Just Like Me' are lost classics and will leave the listener feeling overwhelmed, if slightly confused as to what happened to these guys. Such albums are sent from above to make their presence felt oh so fleetingly. However frustrating that may be, it's best to hear 'The Portrait...' as a one-off than see the band spiral into a career of bad records and awful imitations. Very good '70s rock.
8/10
8/10
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