Promise to Call

The Zoo Crew is spinning a melodic gem for the Zoo Freaks with "Promise to Call" by Airrace, a catchy track from their 1984 debut album Shaft Of Light. This song, the second track on the album, is a radio-friendly AOR classic with a polished sound, driven by Keith Murrell’s soaring vocals and Laurie Mansworth’s slick guitar riffs, as noted in a review by The Grooveman’s Collection. In a 2015 interview with MelodicRock, Mansworth shared that the song was crafted with chart success in mind, blending heartfelt lyrics about longing and connection with an upbeat, accessible vibe. A fan comment on a YouTube upload of the song praised its “infectious hook,” calling it a perfect snapshot of 80s melodic rock, with Jason Bonham’s drumming adding a punchy backbone.

Delving into the song’s trivia, "Promise to Call" was part of Shaft Of Light, produced by Beau Hill, known for his work with Ratt and Warrant, which gave the album its slick, commercial sheen, as highlighted on AllMusic. The track’s lyrics, credited to Mansworth and Murrell, evoke a sense of yearning with lines like “I’ll be waiting by the phone,” resonating with fans who vibed with its romantic urgency, as discussed on AllKLyrics. A post on the band’s Facebook page from 2020 celebrated the song’s enduring appeal, with fans reminiscing about discovering it through 80s rock compilations. The song’s prominence was further cemented by its inclusion in rare live footage from Airrace’s 1984 performances, shared on fan forums like MelodicRock, where enthusiasts lauded its tight harmonies and live energy.

Airrace formed in London in 1982, founded by guitarist Laurie Mansworth, formerly of the band More, with a vision to break into the booming AOR market. The lineup solidified with Keith Murrell (vocals), Jim Reid (bass), Toby Sadler (keyboards), and a young Jason Bonham (drums), son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, as detailed on Rock Report. Mansworth, inspired by bands like Journey and Foreigner, started the band after years of gigging in the UK rock scene, aiming for a sound that blended British grit with American-style melodic polish. Their debut album, Shaft Of Light, released in 1984 on Atco Records, marked Jason Bonham’s first recorded appearance, a point of pride for the band, as noted in a Sleaze Roxx retrospective.

The band’s early days involved relentless club gigs across London, building a buzz that led to their signing with Atco. Despite critical praise for their debut, commercial success eluded them, and Airrace disbanded after 1984, only to reform in 2011 with new music like the album Untold Stories. Their journey reflects a dedication to melodic rock, with "Promise to Call" remaining a fan favorite. Fans can follow their updates on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share news about reissues, live shows, and throwbacks to their 80s era.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with the Airrace community, fan hubs keep the band’s legacy alive. Metalfields Wiki offers detailed tracklists and band history, while MelodicRock hosts vibrant discussions where fans share memories of tracks like "Promise to Call" and rare vinyl finds. The Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group occasionally buzzes with Airrace talk, as fans of 80s AOR swap stories about the band’s live performances and their influence on the genre. These platforms provide a space to celebrate Airrace’s melodic rock roots and their enduring classics.