The second and final 70's release for 'Riot' and the only lineup change from 'Rock City' is the replacement of guitarist 'L.A. Kouvaris' with 'Rick Ventura'. Musically they continue in a similar fashion to their previous release, all in all probably lacks the number of standout track compared to it's predecessor, but this is made up for with greater consistency and more content. At the time of writing 'Narita' is no longer available and if you want a copy of this overlooked gem you will have to check the second hand shops or auctions, I did and was lucky enough to find a near mint copy on vinyl.

'Narita' kicks off with the carefree rocker 'Waiting for the Taking', which incorporates two fine instrumental breaks and some steadfast vocals from 'Guy Speranza', overall a decent track but maybe a little lightweight for an opener. Better in my opinion is the grittier '49er', a riff roller, supported by strong lyrics and a quality driving rhythm, which includes some solid technical stick work courtesy of 'Peter Bitelli'. Despite 'Kick down the Wall' being a live favourite for 'Guy Speranza' era 'Riot', I thinks it's one of the weaker album tracks, to me it doesn't quite gel and sounds a little disjointed with the awkward chorus. This is soon overlooked though with a cracking cover of 'Born to be Wild' and boy do they do a good job! this is performed at pretty much breakneck speed (well for 79'), the fret work from 'Mark Reale' and 'Rick Ventura' has to be respected and vocally 'Guy Speranza' sounds right at home on this 'Steppenwolf' classic. Side one closes with another album highlight, the instrumental title track, again the guitar partnership is on top form and is supported admirably by the rhythm section, for this slightly quirky (more than a little Japanese influence) but brilliant piece of work. Similar in approach to 'Waiting for the Taking' is 'Here we come Again', carefree in style, with solid lyrics, strong riffs and driving drum and bass work, at times sounds a little dated, but still an enjoyable romp with more fine soloing. I'm less impressed with the boogie sounding 'Do It Up', lyrically it's not up to their best and at times sounds like 'UFO's' 'Rock Bottom', only not as good. Marginally superior is 'Hot for Love', which commences subtly but picks up into a layered number, mixing a lighter, slightly weaker chorus with more upbeat yet stronger verses. The album steps up a gear with the closing two tracks. 'White Rock' is a glorious rocker, filled with sweet hooks and solos, while displaying more crisp 'Guy Speranza' vocals. Lastly we are gifted in my mind the album's best track 'Road Racin'' a fast paced gem, driven by a relentless beat and braced by great lyrics and more glorious yet understated axe work by 'Mark Reale' and 'Rick Ventura' for a superb instrumental break.

It's a travesty 'Narita' is no longer available, it's a smashing late 70's Hard Rock / Metal offering, that should be sort after by anyone who likes 'Riot' or this genre.