Fuchsia

Fuchsia's only album is a reasonably interesting, if far from indelible, classical-tilted mix of early-'70s British folk-rock and progressive rock. Structurally and melodically, the songs (most written by guitarist and lead singer Tony Durant) are complex and unpredictably winding, not conforming to the usual formats and progressions of popular music. The all-woman, three-part string section (also adding backing vocals) gives the material some orchestral density, and though it's a long way from the thickness of the arrangements of Electric Light Orchestra, some might find the more understated lightness far more likable. The songs and vocals are more aligned with folk-rock, however, in their benign and slightly fanciful storytelling feel, speckled with mentions of water, sky, breeze, a king and his crown, "Me and My Kite," and the like. In parts, "Just Anyone" certainly seems like a nod in the direction of early-'70s Pink Floyd's lightest, most song-oriented material, complete with swooping slide guitar. The compositions aren't strong enough to make this stand out as one of the better rarities of its type, but it's pleasing and acceptably creative. ~ Richie Unterberger