Mean Streak

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious riffs of "Mean Streak" by Gamma, a track from their 1980 album Gamma 2, and the Zoo Freaks are undoubtedly vibing to its hard-hitting energy. This song, a standout on the album, showcases Gamma's shift to a heavier, more aggressive sound compared to their debut. In a 1980 interview with Billboard, guitarist Ronnie Montrose described "Mean Streak" as a reflection of the band's desire to "push the edges of AOR with raw power," inspired by the gritty vibe of San Francisco’s rock scene. The song’s driving rhythm and searing guitar solos were crafted to capture the rebellious spirit of the era, with Montrose noting that the track was born out of late-night jam sessions where the band "just let the music growl." Fans on the Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook group often cite "Mean Streak" as a live favorite, with one member recalling a 1980 concert where Montrose played an extended solo that "blew the roof off."

Another piece of trivia comes from drummer Denny Carmassi, who, in a 2015 post on his Facebook page, shared that the recording of "Mean Streak" was fueled by a spontaneous burst of energy in the studio. The band had been tinkering with the song’s structure for days, but it finally clicked when they cranked up the amps and played it live in one take, capturing the raw edge heard on the album. The song’s lyrical bite, delivered by vocalist Davey Pattison, was influenced by the band’s observations of street life, with Pattison later telling Classic Rock magazine that the lyrics were about "the kind of people who live fast and leave a mark." The #GammaBand hashtag on Instagram occasionally lights up with fans posting vinyl spins of Gamma 2, often highlighting "Mean Streak" as a track that still feels timeless.

Gamma was formed in 1979 in San Francisco by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, a rock veteran who had already made waves with his earlier band, Montrose. After releasing his solo album Open Fire in 1978, Montrose wanted to explore a new sound that blended hard rock with AOR polish and cutting-edge keyboard textures. He recruited Scottish vocalist Davey Pattison, whose soulful voice added depth to the band’s edge, along with keyboardist Jim Alcivar, bassist Alan Fitzgerald, and drummer Skip Gillette for their debut album, Gamma 1. By the time Gamma 2 was recorded, Fitzgerald and Gillette had been replaced by bassist Glenn Letsch and drummer Denny Carmassi, both of whom brought a heavier, more dynamic feel to the lineup. Montrose’s vision for Gamma was to create music that was both accessible and experimental, drawing from his experiences touring with acts like Edgar Winter and Van Morrison. His early career as a session musician for artists like Herbie Hancock also shaped his knack for blending genres, which became a hallmark of Gamma’s sound.

While Gamma’s official online presence is tied to Ronnie Montrose’s legacy, fans can explore the band’s history on the official Ronnie Montrose website, which includes details about Gamma’s discography and Montrose’s broader career. The Ronnie Montrose Official Facebook page occasionally shares throwback posts about Gamma, including rare photos from the Gamma 2 era. On Instagram, the Ronnie Montrose Official account posts tributes to Montrose’s work, including Gamma, often sparking fan discussions about tracks like "Mean Streak." The band’s presence on X is limited, but the Ronnie Montrose account shares updates about his catalog, including Gamma’s albums. For fan communities, the Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook group is a lively hub where Gamma enthusiasts swap stories, rare recordings, and concert memories. Another fan-driven site, MontroseMusic.com, covers Montrose’s entire career, with a dedicated section for Gamma that includes album reviews and band history.