SWADDLING SONGS

Rare are the prog bands from Ireland. Fruupp, yes and Mellow Candle. Coming from Dublin more precisely, this unknown one shot band belongs to the brilliant obscure bands of the seventies who only produced an album, but a gem. I think of England, Spring (the posthumous compilations forgotten). Mellow Candle was an imaginative folk rock band, with the singing talents of two ladies (Alison Williams and Clodagh Simonds), in addition to bassist Frank Boylan, drummer William Murray and guitarist Dave Williams. But the main feature was Clodagh's piano parts. The main comparison coming to mind is Renaissance of course. Well, the classical influences are less strong certainly but "Swaddling Songs", their debut album (1972) is rich in varied and simple melodies. But, most of all, the blending of those two gorgeous female voices is a treat. This was a fantastic album deserving new discovery. Thanks to Esoteric records, we have now a remastered version (the original recording on Deram was produced by David Hitchcock of Caravan fame), some bonus tracks and an elegant booklet. The fans will note a second album, "The Virgin Prophet", featuring unreleased and different versions of songs found on "Swaddling Songs", was released in 1996.