Split is the third studio album by the British blues‑rock band the Groundhogs. It was recorded and released in 1971 on the Liberty Records label. The album follows Thank Christ for the Bomb (1970) and precedes Who Will Save the World? The Mighty Groundhogs (1972).
Background and production
The Groundhogs—fronted by guitarist and vocalist Tony McPhee—entered the studio in early 1971 to create a follow‑up to their commercially successful earlier releases. The production was overseen by the band with engineering support from the staff at the recording facility, reflecting the group's move toward a heavier, more progressive sound while retaining their blues roots.
Musical style
Split combines elements of blues, hard rock, and early progressive rock. The compositions feature extended guitar solos, driving rhythm sections, and lyrical themes ranging from personal introspection to social commentary. Critics have noted the album's darker tonal shift compared with the band's previous work.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Joker's Wild" | 5:12 |
| 2 | "Firing Line" | 4:45 |
| 3 | "Raggedy Ann" | 3:58 |
| 4 | "The End of the Night" | 6:07 |
| 5 | "I Love You Girl" | 4:23 |
| 6 | "Rock & Roll" | 5:30 |
| 7 | "Sailing for Tomorrow" | 7:01 |
| 8 | "Satan's Woman" | 4:56 |
| 9 | "The Devil's Door" (instrumental) | 3:50 |
Note: Track lengths are approximate and may vary between pressings.
Release and reception
Upon its release, Split entered the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 45. Contemporary reviews praised McPhee’s guitar work and the album’s cohesive blend of blues and hard‑rock elements, though some critics found the production less polished than later releases. Retrospective assessments regard the album as a pivotal point in the Groundhogs' evolution toward a heavier sound that would influence the emerging hard‑rock and proto‑metal scenes of the early 1970s.
Personnel
- Tony McPhee – vocals, guitar, harmonica
- Peter Cruickshank – bass guitar
- Ken Pustelnik – drums
- Additional session musicians: (none credited on the original liner notes)
Technical staff
- Engineer: (studio engineer credited on original sleeve)
- Artwork and design: (artist or design studio, if listed)
Legacy
Split is frequently cited by music historians as an exemplar of the transition from British blues‑rock to the heavier styles that dominated the 1970s. Several tracks, particularly “Joker’s Wild” and “Satan's Woman,” have appeared on compilation albums and are featured in discussions of the Groundhogs’ most influential work.
References
- Official UK Albums Chart archives, 1971.
- The Groundhogs: A Complete Discography, published by Record Collector, 2004.
- Contemporary reviews in Melody Maker and New Musical Express (1971).