Locomotiv GT (album)

Locomotiv GT (album)

Locomotiv GT is the debut album of the Hungarian rock group Locomotiv GT. It was released in December 1971.

Compared to other Hungarian music albums of the time, the sound of Locomotiv GT was harder (most reminiscent of Éjszakai országút, released by Omega in 1970), and with the exception of "Ezüst nyár", the album lacked so-called hits. That was the result of a conscious decision made by the group; they intended to play high-quality rock music resembling more to that of made by English and American groups. Unlike albums released by LGT in the second half of the 1970s, the instrumentation of Locomotiv GT is somewhat simple, the saxophone being the only "exotic" instrument. The music is built around the virtuoso guitar playing of Barta and the masterful organ playing of Presser; in addition, Frenreisz plays his bass more powerfully than most of his Hungarian peers. The style of the songs does not really fit in with the typical Hungarian pop music of the time; that is, it is more mature, although it cannot be called progressive rock in the traditional sense. Improvisation, showing the skills of the musicians, was employed more frequently in songs, such as "A Napba öltözött lány", "A tengelykezű félember", and "Hej, én szólok hozzád". The influence of American blues-rock (in "Nem nekem való" and "Royal blues") and jazz (in "Sose mondd a mamának") are also evident. The lyrics were written by Anna Adamis (wife of Laux), who provided lyrics to most Omega songs between 1968 and 1970.

Though not a huge success because of its experimental style, Locomotiv GT proved to be a promising debut; their second release, Ringasd el magad, gained more popularity. In 1973 Locomotiv GT was issued in Argentina by Qualiton (not to be confused with the Hungarian label) in the form of a license album. Its cover art was different to the original Hungarian version, but the content was the same.