Band formed in 1968 and first playing soul influenced by American artists. After US born singer Ozzie Lane quit and being replaced by Colin Horton-Jennings they were spotted by the Harvest label, which at the time was looking for a group that could answer up to the then most popular American progressive brass soul outfits as Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago. This was the first of two albums they recorded for the label, but with exception of the spawned 45 "Real Cool World", which had some European success, non of their offsprings sold very well and they broke up early 1971. Listening today it seems strange they didn't hit harder. Harvest may have wanted it after an American model, but to me this also sounds very British. There are soulish inputs reminding of contemporary US brass prog, but also influence from UK bands as Deep Purple and Jethro Tull. An eclectic stew stirred together in a progressive pot and served as a tasty dish. Blending hard with soft, catchy with experimental, and embellished by lots of prominent organ and some very good guitar parts. Neither hard-core prog, nor conventional pop, but balancing inbetween. Favorite tracks - the haunting "Real Cool World" and the fifteen minute "Horizon" for the sweet flute and adventurous organ licks. As a whole maybe not my absolutely first choice from the early seventies prog jungle, but certainly one of the good guys with many rewarding moments. Initially released on vinyl in a couple of European and South American countires, Downunder and South Africa. German 2006 CD on Repertoire Records (REP 5059) came with "Real Cool World" 45 edit as bonus track. Premiere UK had label without EMI logo as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover. (HÄVL*)
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar