Originally formed in 1974, Pittsburgh hard rock band Diamond Reo consisted of Frank Czuri (lead vocals), Norman Nardini (bass & background vocals), Warren King (guitar), and Robert Johns (drums). They released three albums between 1975 and 1978 before disbanding to pursue other projects. While they never achieved widespread fame, those in the know remember Diamond Reo for their too-bold-for-70s-light-rock-radio sound and killer guitar licks.
“The Diamonds” is a collection of previously unreleased and newly remastered songs and demos from 1978-1979 and captures the spirit of the band and of the age with their characteristic “balls to the wall…lead foot on the accererator” style. (Sheppard, Ugly Things, 2025) Hard rockin’ original songs interspersed with high energy covers of songs ranging from Sam Cooke’s “Shake” to Randy Newman’s “Gone Dead Train” make this album feel both timeless and fresh at the same time.
Whether you’re a long time fan of the band or just love a classic hard rock sound, this is a great title to add to your collection. Signed copies of the LP are available now on the Get Hip webstore, as well as LPs, CDs, and t-shirts.
If [Diamond Reo’s] second and third albums had you longing for the bartender to pour you another shot of heavy rock, [The Diamonds] is the Everclear to burn your throat, flare your nostrils and give you the buzz of ruffians and riffage that marked Diamond Reo.
Doug Sheppard / Ugly Things #69 – Summer 2025