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This self titled release was in fact the band's second album, coming a year after their debut "Pause for a hoarse horse". The opening "Dreamer" offers the reassurance that the band's sound has changed little, the distinctive guitar sound of Laurie Wisefield and the harmonic vocals of main songwriter Mick Stubbs remaining the essence of the band.

"Knave" is one of the band's most effective ballads, Stubbs fine vocals being backed by some excellent piano. "Fancy lady, Hollywood child" is the first time non band member David Skillin's name appears on the songwriting credits. He would go on to provide all the lyrics for the band's third album "The Alchemist".

As a rule, the songs on the first side of the album are slightly less developed than on the first album. "Rise up" for example is a pleasant folk like piece, with similarities to the work of MAGNA CARTA. "Dear Lord" is a soft, optimistic song with good piano, and one of Stubbs best vocal deliveries, helped by a strong melody.

Side two has just three tracks. "Baby friend of mine" sees the band return to the slightly more complex structures of their first album, the track having an effective mixture of acoustic and electric guitar. "Western front" develops from a soft piano and steel guitar opening to a powerful conclusion which links into the final song "Lady of the birds". This, the longest track recorded by the band up to this point, gives a firm indication of the harder sound which would appear on the next album. The core of the track is a much looser section dominated by bass with guitar inflections, which leads to an evolving build up with fine guitar work towards the tracks conclusion. The guitar solo here is reminiscent of the Outlaws magnificent "Green grass and high tides", if somewhat briefer. The double fade on the ending was a feature several tracks of the time.

In all, a very good second album, the second side of which is noticeably the superior.

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