The Third Power -

The Third Power was an American psych-rock trio from Farmington Hills, Michigan, that released a standalone single (as 3rd Power) on small-press Baron in 1968, followed by the 1970 album Believe on Vanguard. Bassist/singer Jem Targal issued a 1978 solo album, Luckey Guy, on self-press Sheavy.

Members: Drew Abbott (guitar, vocals), Jem Targal (bass, vocals), Jim Craig (drums, vocals), Herman Daldin (bass, vocals)

Inception

Third Power formed in 1968 with guitarist Drew Abbott, bassist–vocalist Jem Targal, and drummer Jim Craig. Targal and Abbott met as students at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Michigan, after Targal returned from early childhood years in Turkey and completed his schooling in Detroit.

Their debut single, “We, You, I” (b/w “Snow”), appeared that year on local imprint Baron. Both sides, written by Abbott and Targal, blend fuzzed-out garage rock with proto-psych energy.

A. “We, You, I” (3:23)
B. “Snow” (2:48)

By 1969, the trio gained prominence on the Motor City club scene and signed to Vanguard Records.

Believe

Third Power released their sole album, Believe, in May 1970 on Vanguard.

It features nine tracks, all co-written and arranged by the three members, with production and occasional keyboard input by Vanguard producer Sam Charters. Highlights include the anthemic opener “Gettin’ Together,” the fuzz-blues rocker “Persecution,” the angular, proto-metal “Comin’ Home,” and the explosive closer “Like Me Love Me.”

Elsewhere, the album dips into psych-pop balladry on “Passed By,” “Crystalline Chandelier,” and “Won’t Beg Any More,” showing the band’s range across acid rock and West Coast-tinged psychedelia.

A1. “Gettin’ Together” (4:18)
A2. “Feel So Lonely” (4:17)
A3. “Passed By” (3:43)
A4. “Lost In a Daydream” (2:31)
A5. “Persecution” (3:24)

B1. “Comin’ Home” (3:49)
B2. “Won’t Beg Any More” (4:28)
B3. “Crystalline Chandelier” (3:41)
B4. “Like Me Love Me” (5:23)

The band tracked Believe at Vanguard Studios with engineer Ed Friedner and had it mastered at Columbia Recording Studios. The release features artwork by David Edward Byrd and a back photo montage by Boof Designs. Believe reached No. 194 on the Billboard 200.

Later Activity

Despite strong live chops and regional acclaim, Third Power disbanded in 1971. Abbott soon joined Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band, contributing to Live Bullet, Night Moves, and Against the Wind. Targal launched a solo career and issued his debut album Luckey Guy in 1978 on Sheavy Records.

Discography: