RAINBOW PRESS – THERE’S A WAR ON

Out-Sider presents the first legit reissue of There’s a War On by The Rainbow Press, a cool US ’68 psychedelic concept album with all the right moves: solid songwriting, refreshing harmonies, studio effects, organ, fuzz guitar, electric piano, sunshine/baroque touches — think The Rainy Daze, Strawberry Alarm Clock, The Doors. The Rainbow Press evolved from The Continental Divide, a college band from New York containing members from two previous British invasion groups: The Group and The Specs. They were Bill Yergin on drums, Dave Troup on bass, Larry Milton on electric piano and 12-string guitar, Marc Ellis on guitar, Charlie Osborne on organ, and Joe Groff on vocals. All the members sang vocal harmonies and the twin electric piano/organ action gave the band an unusual and cool sound. In 1968, Audio Fidelity approached them and a contract was secured. The band changed their name to the more groovy-sounding The Rainbow Press and sessions for their first album started at Radio City in New York. There’s a War On saw the light in 1968 on the Mr. G label (the “hip” branch of Audio Fidelity). It’s hard to believe this perfectly recorded psychedelic beauty was made by college students! Remastered sound; includes insert with liner notes telling the band’s story for the first time.