ELOY

Unless you are hell bent on discovering a band chronologically, or you have a penchant for faceless if competent early 1970s hard rock, you can pass by this anomaly in the Eloy catalogue. While some might consider it an advantage, Frank Bornemann is not even the lead vocalist, with the less distinctive Erich Schriever taking the reins. Nonetheless, his slightly bluesy voice is properly suited to this style.

Influenced far more by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and maybe even Black Sabbath than by the prog stalwarts who were already well established by 1971, Eloy's debut is an honest effort containing plenty of appealing yet plodding guitar riffs, political lyrical themes, psychedelic percussion, organ and Bornemann's developing and already impressive lead guitar licks. While most of these rockers are redeemable, on "Voice of Revolution" and during other segments the fast forward button beckons.

It is true that here and there one can discern the germ of a psychedelic/space rock band, thanks partly to Bornemann's axe work but also to melodies like "Isle of Sun", which almost vaults over the next phase of Eloy's career in anticipation, even if it is more organ based and less orchestral. Interestingly, the title of the first song on the 2nd album, "Inside", called "Land of No Body", is referenced in the song "Eloy" here, which is otherwise nothing like that subsequent effort.

The band splintered after this production, with Bornemann firmly in control, and my curiosity about where they might have gone from here had they stayed together is mild at best. A historical document.