Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Refugee - Refugee CD (album) cover

REFUGEE

Refugee

 

Symphonic Prog

4.15 | 278 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars "Refugee" is the eponymouslty titled debut full-length studio album by UK/Swiss progressive rock act Refugee. The album was released through Charisma Records in March 1974. Refugee was formed in 1973 when the two former members of The Nice, bassist/vocalist Lee Jackson and drummer Brian Davison met Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz. The Nice had been quite successful, releasing three studio albums in the years 1968-1969, but when keyboardist Keith Emerson jumped ship to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Nice disbanded in late March 1970. Jackson formed Jackson Heights and Davison formed Brian Davison's Every Which Way, but when Jackson approached Moraz in 1973 to ask him to join Jackson Heights, Moraz instead suggested that they should form a new group and ask Jacksonīs former The Nice colleague Davison to join. Hence the formation of Refugee in 1973. Although Refugee did record and release this debut album and subsequently toured in support of the album, they still ended up being a relatively shortlived act, as Moraz was asked to join Yes in 1974 and left to pursue that adventure. Refugee split-up after Moraz left.

The album features 6 tracks and a total playing time of 50:25 minutes. Three tracks are "regular" length tracks, one is a short interlude, and the two remaining tracks are the multi-suite progressive rock epics the 16:54 minutes long "Grand Canyon Suite" and the 18:08 minutes long "Credo".

The organ/piano is the most frequently used keyboard on the album, but Moraz uses other keyboards/synths as well (the Moog is one of them). The music revolves around classical inspired keyboard themes from Moraz and a technically well playing, heavy, and skillful rhythm section. Emerson, Lake & Palmerīs "Brain Salad Surgery" (1973) album is a valid reference. Jackson even has a voice and singing style which isnīt far removed from the voice and singing style of Greg Lake, although Jackson isnīt quite as distinct sounding or well performed. Jackson is honestly a rather mediocre vocalist, but since most of the music on the album is instrumental itīs not a major issue, although itīs of course a weak spot.

Weak vocal spot or not, "Refugee" is still loaded with incredible instrumental performances and great technical playing and thatīs the greatest strength of this release. The tracks are dynamic, noodly, and busy, and this is not the type of progressive rock release you go to, when you want to listen to something melancholic, pastoral, and atmospheric. There are mellower parts here and there, but the album is predominantly busy, fast-paced, and filled to the brim with virtuosic playing. Again...not completely unlike much of the output by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and itīs arguably fans of that type of progressive rock, who are the main audience.

Had the vocals been of a higher quality, my rating would have been a little higher, but as Iīm very impressed by the remaining part of the album Iīd say a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is still deserved. Itīs hard not to give credit to the organic grooves (often jazz-rock/fusion influenced), the creativity of especially Moraz, and the jaw-dropping high level musical performances. A high quality progressive rock release this one.

UMUR | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this REFUGEE review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.