FRUPP - VINYL SEVEN SECRETS [VINYL]

Popis - SEVEN SECRETS [VINYL]:
This is the first official re-release on vinyl under licensed courtesy of BMG Rights Management, UK, remastered from an original master copy out of the vaults of BMG. The album was originally released in 1974 on PYE Records' progressive imprint Dawn. Fruupp were a 1970 progressive rock band, which originated in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but developed a fan base in Great Britain. They were relatively popular, particularly on the student scene and as a supporting act for such bands as Genesis, King Crimson and Queen. 'Seven Secrets' was their second album and it's more Genesis-like than their first album 'Future Legends'. It sounds positive, very happy and upbeat, like the folk medieval side of Genesis with a symphonic progressive classic approach and a bit Camel-esque! The album opener 'Faced With Shekinah' is the best track on the album. It's certainly the most symphonic and exciting, with frequently changing time signatures and themes. This is an adrenaline fuelled start to a wonderful album. The second track 'Wise As Wisdom, another highlight of the album, starts in a very laid-back way. However, this is an ever-evolving song, in the style of Camel (the guitar solo at 5:11 brings Andy Latimer to mind). 'White Eyes' is yet another solid track. After a 1½ minute quiet introduction, there are a couple of verses that are very reminiscent of the classic Pink Floyd singing style. After a few more fantasy-tinged verses the song begins to wind down in a lovely mellow way. The riff heard between 4:34 and 6:06 is simply divine. Side B starts with the over 9 minutes 'Garden Lady', the longest track on the album. A brief lyrical section followed by a mammoth instrumental (here lasting over 6½ minutes!) and topped off with another lyrical section mirroring the first. This instrumental includes more Camel-esque guitar work from the incredibly talented Vincent McCusker. Towards the end of the instrumental, the music begins to pick up pace, in order to catch up with the lyrical section, and one can't help but feel that the band's use of dynamics and tempo changes are genius. A truly rewarding song. 'Three Spires' is an acoustic folky affair. This track is relatively light in terms of prog, but full of emotion. The song will be best remembered for the beautiful outro, which lasts nearly half the track's length and consists of the chorus being repeated over and over. Despite the repetition, the beauty carries the listener through right to the end. The band once again show their classical influences on the final proper track, 'Elizabeth'. The classical feel continues throughout the song via the sound of string instruments. This song is certainly symphonic progressive rock! The final track (1:30), titled 'The Seventh Secret', is nothing more than a poem recited in a peculiar accent over an acoustic guitar. The album comes with a 4 sided coversize insert with full bandstory by former manager and author Paul Charles, rare photos etc. Great stuff. Don't miss it!