SUFFICIENTLY BREATHLESS

When I compared their average debut with the one from Warhorse, there are little comparisons really. The Purple heritage was much more on the side of Nick Simper's than on the Rod Evans's one.

The major problem is the very average song writing available on this Sufficiently Breathless. Circumstances were of course not optimal since almost half of the band had changed for this recording and half or so would also leave shortly after.

The best parts are the percussion ones. Drifting In Space has a definite early Santana sound. Frenetic congas (a la Chepito) and guitar as well. Quite surprising but fun and pleasant. It is one of the best songs from this work.

There is no Evil Ways but we get Evil Men instead. Even the warm voice of Gregg Rolie are close to Rod's one here. Quite surprising again. As the other songs from this album actually. Few are on the heavy side and don't be mislead by Starglow Energy: it is a smooth rock ballad. Very much basic you know with a classic guitar break of course.

One true Captain Beyond song is the very good Distant Sun. A heavy and psychedelic tune like we could hear on Purple's debut (which was recorded five years before this one.). There is still a latin- rock middle part which contrast with the other parts of the song; but which is in line with the album.

By now, it is almost normal that the closing number is fully Santana oriented as well. It might not be surprising any longer, but I still wonder how this change in their musical direction was so dramatic.

Everything's A Circle is the only outstanding song: the rhythmic section is again impressive, the beat is very stirring and the organ sounds great (but totally Rolie oriented). An d since it is a Santana rip- off, we get some great guitar as well. A very good Santana tune.

Very few songs are memorable on this album. Sales won't be very high either. Rod will leave, and the band will still survive for a few years and one more album.

Two stars.