FLUID DRUID

"Fluid Druid" is the second full-length studo album by UK progressive rock act Druid. The album was released through EMI Records in May 1976. It´s the successor to "Toward the Sun" from June 1975. Druid were active in the period 1971-1977 and released two albums during their run, this being the last one before disbanding.

"Fluid Druid" continues the symphonic progressive rock style Druid initiated on "Toward the Sun". It´s a sound and music style greatly influenced by Yes, but also by other contemporary artists like Queen (take a listen to "Nothing But Morning" to hear that influence) and Genesis. Druid are a well playing act and lead vocalist/guitarist Dane Stevens has a strong voice and a convincing passionate delivery, further enhanced by the many choirs and harmony vocals featured on the tracks. Various types of keyboards/synths/piano/organ carry the tracks along with organic bass and drum playing and both acoustic and electric guitars.

The tracks are cleverly composed and quite memorable, but what Druid haven´t achieved is a personal and distinct sound. It´s too bad because all other elements of their music and performances (the album is also very well produced) are of a high quality. They were probably also a bit late to the game releasing their debut as last as 1975, when progressive rock was already in decline, but I´ll still speculate that they could have made it bigger and have been more recognised for their output today, if they had produced more unique material. "Fluid Druid" is however still a high quality progressive rock release and it´s both a challenging and pleasant listen, and a 3.5 star (70%) rating isn´t all wrong.