Sunblind Lion

• Formed: 1974
• Disbanded: 1980
• Genres: Rock

Biography

Sunblind Lion was formed in 1974 in the small rural community of Plymouth, WI. Several of its members, including lead vocalist Keith Abler and guitarist Dave Steffen, graduated from the late '60s and early '70s bands Love Society and Phase III. Sunblind Lion released three distinctly different albums between 1976 and 1980 but were consistently characterized by intelligent lyrics, impressive guitar playing, and grandiose keyboard work. Observer (1976) was their most progressive effort with lengthy, synthesizer-adorned, conceptual pieces; however, their most well-known songs were the pop/rock numbers "Cat Eyes" and "Jamaican Holiday," which received considerable regional airplay. Above and Beyond (1978) favored a more basic rock approach with the exception of "The King and His Parliament," a sophisticated Kansas meets Jethro Tull type of piece. Live Lion (1980) was their swan song and is comprised largely of previously unrecorded songs, save for the two aforementioned pseudo hits. This was a no-frills rock & roll record indicative of Sunblind Lion's live performances in which Steffen blazed through Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," with perhaps more tenacity and machismo than Jimi Hendrix himself. Sunblind Lion reconvened in 1989 for a reunion concert which was captured on video. Abler has released solo albums as well as fronting a group called Gilbert and the Pirates. Steffen has recorded several albums with his band, Dave Steffen Band, which has received acclaim throughout the Midwest as well as his former adopted home base of San Francisco. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide