A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

The one and only P.F as a 5 piece band album arrived in '68. The fact that this was a transitional and confusing period, with Barrett in and out and the band unable to stay sober even for one evening was not reflected in the music, for some mysterious reason. In fact, ''Saucerful...'' has to be considered as PINK FLOYD's first brilliant album. Waters take a leading role and Gilmour, though a new member contributes the maximum by sweetening the rough edges of their music. The band becomes a bit darker, more sophisticated, with a more personalized sound, more aware of their talents. This new character is mainly perceived through the album's two epics: ''Set the controls...'' and the album's title track are two majestic moments in P.F discography, dark, mystical, adventurous and intriguing, with chilling atmospheres, tremendous melodies and unpredictable nature. The band had progressed very much and very quickly since their debut, both in songwriting and orchestration areas. Waters starts to unravel his composing skills, neither so light nor as surreal as Barrett's but heavier in mood and more carefully driven to the paths of experimentation. All the other songs are pretty good too: beautiful melodies, clear arrangements, space and psychedelic vibes all around. Syd's swan song with P.F is a Saucerful of secrets indeed, getting closer to the possibility of a masterpiece. 86/100