Budgie – Budgie

Budgie, released in July 1971, is the self-titled debut from the Welsh power trio. The album ushers in a raw, heavy sound that would come to influence early metal, fusing blues-rock energy with fuzzed riffs, prominent bass, and a trio dynamic that maximizes space and force. Burke Shelley’s high-register vocals ride atop driving riffs by Tony Bourge and solid, punchy drums by Ray Phillips. Songs like “Guts” and “Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman” showcase the band’s blend of heaviness and eccentricity, while acoustic interludes like “Everything in My Heart” provide contrast and texture. As a proto-metal landmark, Budgie’s debut forged a path between hard rock and the heavier directions to come. Its eccentric song titles and surprising structural shifts hint at a band unafraid to explore beyond convention, even on a bold first statement. Over time, the album has been reappraised as essential listening for those tracing the evolution of metal, marking an important early chapter in the genre’s development.

Reviews

“For those seriously interested in metal’s development, bombastic treasures like ‘Homicidal Suicidal,’ and ‘Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman’ are essential listening.” – AllMusic

“Although specialising in heads-down, no-nonsense riffage, their albums all included acoustic interludes … which, by accident or design, made everything else sound even heavier.” – Louder (Album of the Week Club)