TANGERINE DREAM

The music of Kaleidoscope is firmly rooted in the 1960's. It is intensely vocal, with little instrumental development and generally short highly melodic tracks. While the song structures are a little more complex than those of their 60's pop peers, it is with bands such as BARRATT's PINK FLOYD, early STATUS QUO, THE BEE GEES, THE MOODY BLUES and THE BEATLES that their music should be compared. Indeed, albums such as "Sgt Pepper.." and "Revolver" clearly had a strong influence on both the melodies and the lyrics here.

It seems to me that history has been kind, indeed over kind, to Kaleidoscope in terms of the retrospective perception of their influence and originality. While their music is well composed and pleasant to listen to, it is far from progressive. Indeed, if any bands were influenced by Kaleidoscope, it is more likely to be vocal combos such as 10CC and KLAATU. Even the eight minute "The Sky Children" on this album is simply an extended vocal performance, with little variation in the melody.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a fine album. Do not however seek it out hoping to find a Piltdown Man who will provide the link from 60's pop to 70's progressive rock. This album needs to be seen for what it is, sophisticated 60's pop. With that in mind, there is much to enjoy about the album. "Dive into yesterday" features evolving moods, while retaining a similarity to "Arnold Layne". Indeed, "Arnold Layne" is a good reference point for the album, with its offbeat lyrics, simple melody and psychedelic atmosphere.

"Flight for Ashiya", the band's first single, has pleasant high harmonies, but listen more closely and you'll find yourself hearing of a plane crash. Likewise, the less subtly titled "The Murder Of Lewis Tollani", which has an early Moody Blues feel, tells of murder in the night. "Mr. Small The Watch Repaired Man" is reportedly based on a true story relating to the father of one of the band members. The vocals here, as elsewhere, resemble Jonathan King's "Everyone's gone to the moon". One of the nicest tracks is the simple love song "Dear Nellie Goodrich" which moves further into Bee Gees territory.

A number of bonus tracks are included on the CD re-release, including an obvious attempt at finding that elusive hit singe (the band were under pressure from the record label to do so) "Jenny Artichoke". The song has so much in common with the Hollies "Jennifer Eccles" it is not surprising the record buying public ignored it. The brief "Just how much you are" is pleasantly orchestrated, bringing to mind a Herman's Hermit's B side "The most beautiful thing in my life". An obscure reference perhaps, but it gives a good indication of the type of music we have here.

For me, there are many other bands who fit the proto-prog definition far more readily than Kaleidoscope. Yes, there are occasional subtleties to their music, and they were clearly intent on going beyond the three verse three chorus structure of the pure pop bands of their era. The music is simple but enjoyable. As for their place in prog history, for me they simply do not have one.

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