Spring [Digipak]＜限定盤＞

A minor classic of progressive rock, this album ranks with Gracious' second album and King Crimson's debut as an exemplar of the use of the Mellotron. Although Mellotrons and the organ (along with some charmingly plonkety piano)provide the foundation of the band's sound, the drums and guitar lay down rocky grooves that keep the washes of keyboards from swamping the whole affair. The lyrics are contemplative, a quality emphasized by Pat Moran's smoky and often wistful vocal style, particularly on the mournful piano piece "Song to Absent Friends." "Shipwrecked Soldier" has wonderfully martial rhythms applied to the Mellotron and drums, and the soaring "Golden Fleece" really lets the multiple keyboards shine. The production is airy and live sounding, with the result that this album has aged surprisingly well. [The three extra tracks on the CD re-release, culled from the unreleased second album and featuring a greater emphasis on overdriven guitar tones, are a nice addition to what was already a fine album.] ~ Paul Collins|