When Locked In arrived in 1976, Wishbone Ash were already established as pioneers of melodic twin-lead guitar rock. While some listeners initially viewed the album as a stylistic shift, time has been kind to Locked In. Today, it stands as an adventurous, groove-driven, and highly musical entry in the Ash catalogue — an album that reveals more with every listen.
Formed in 1969 in Torquay, England, Wishbone Ash quickly distinguished themselves through the dual-lead guitar partnership of Andy Powell and Ted Turner, backed by the fluid rhythm section of Martin Turner (bass/vocals) and Steve Upton (drums).
Their 1972 masterpiece, Argus, became a cornerstone of British rock, influencing generations of guitarists and bands with its harmony-guitar interplay and epic songwriting. Throughout the early ’70s, the band blended progressive rock ambition with blues roots and folk textures, carving out a sound that was both intricate and accessible. By the time of Locked In, the band were seasoned international performers, having conquered stages across Europe and the United States.
Produced by legendary soul hitmaker Tom Dowd, Locked In brought a slicker, more rhythmic sheen to the Ash’s sound. Rather than repeating the medieval-tinged grandeur of Argus, the band leaned into groove, melody, and a touch of mid-’70s American polish. There is not a duff track on the album but some of the standouts are the opener “Rest in Peace” – a lush, soulful opener with soaring harmonies and an infectious rhythm. The quality of the dynamic blues-infused swagger of “Half Past Lovin'” showcases perfectly the band’s grit and melodic sophistication. Elsewhere the radio-friendly majesty of “Trust in You” displays an ability to cut through to the mainstream, albeit with far more class than the majority of “hits” in that era.
Admittedly the album is considered by many – critics, fans and even the band themselves – to be one of the weaker entries in their extensive catalogue. The blame for this is usually placed at the hands of producer Tom Dowd, who insisted on a much quieter sound and feel in the studio, as a consequence it took away a lot of the power and energy of their natural style. That being said, the album’s production gives the guitars a crisp clarity, allowing Powell and Turner’s harmonised leads to shimmer in a slightly more contemporary frame. The rhythm section locks into deeper grooves than on earlier records — a subtle evolution rather than a reinvention.
Locked In is a vibrant, confident, and richly musical album that rewards repeated listening, even if it appears to be lacking their usual bluster and energy. What the album does do is capture Wishbone Ash at a moment of artistic curiosity, balancing their signature twin-guitar harmonies with a smooth mid-’70s rhythmic pulse and far from being a footnote, it’s a testament to a band unafraid to grow — and a record that continues to earn new admirers fifty years on.
I very much doubt it will ever become a favourite for followers of the Ash but it shouldn’t be ignored either and maybe one or two might just give it another listen and maybe surprised by what they hear.
Donnie’s Rating: 7/10
