SEA SHANTIES

When you consider that this album was released almost forty years ago, you have to admit that it was rather a special recording back then. Still, it was almost unnoticed as well.

This is heavy rock for sure, but not as gloomy and heavy that the first Sabbath album (as Umur has already mentioned). There is one very special element which conveys a great feeling overall: the use of the violin which is quite astonishing for a band that plays so loud a music.

Therefore, there is a definite prog touch which was completely alien to Sabbath debut for instance. The fantastic Futilist's Lament is a great example: it is not only hard/heavy. The duet guitar/violin works excessively well.

Production is very poor and this can be noticed during the long instrumental Death Warmed Up. It sounds a bit too much as a cacophony to be honest. But not all songs are like this one.

Walking Down Their Outlook has a definite Doors sound (especially vocals), but what is really making the difference is the brilliant violin work from Simon House. He is a trademark on his own to be honest.

Heavy bluesy psychedelia is available as well with Missing Out. These guys have definitely listened to Cream and let's remember that by then, Led Zep had already broken the charts. The longest song from Sea Shanties is a plea for heavy music: the drumming is awesome and what to say about the incredible guitar work which is present almost during these ten minutes of great rock music.

It is quite close of the great guitar parts of Alvin Lee (Ten Years After). Since I'm found of this band, I can only applaud to such a performance. It is my favourite song of this album.

The closing number also has this vocal link with The Doors. It is another bluesy influenced track which turns out into a pure and very good rock song. Little by little, the guitar has taken the lead role and the violin is almost non existing by now.

This album has been remastered in 2006 and might well be worth since it is also extended with several bonus tracks.