MARKS

Without question one of the better albums to come out of The Netherlands. Released in 1972 with a rather bland album cover this is the debut of this 6 piece band. It's jazzy with two guys playing sax but also spacey with the Arp synths in play and there's also a Canterbury vibe that has such a strong appeal to my musical tastes. The flute is prominent and the guitarist also adds violin, the synths I was talking about and piano. We get vocals but there's mostly instrumental music on this release.

Best track by far is the 11 1/2 minute "I Wish I Could" which actually has a Krautrock vibe that I greatly appreciate. The organ stews to begin with as it starts to build with that Krautrock flavour. Drums before 2 minutes then a complete change 4 minutes in as we get organ only before it's replaced with relaxed guitar then the organ returns. Reserved vocals 5 minutes in then it turns more powerful before the flute leads 6 minutes in as the vocals step aside. They are back at 7 minutes as themes are repeated. Sax will lead then synths end it. Great track!

There isn't a weak song on here in my opinion but also none that really standout like "I Wish I Could". The opener does not sound Oriental at all despite the title. The flute really stands out on this one. Love that trippy sound before the guitar kicks in and the tempo picks up. Contrasts continue. "Soft Royce" is pretty good with that warm and laid back sound with sax leading. A change before 1 1/2 minutes as it kicks into gear with drums and guitar as the piano and sax step aside. Again contrasts continue and we get vocals at 3 1/2 minutes as it settles back and I really like the organ after 4 minutes. Check out the uptempo violin on that fourth track when the tempo picks up at 3 1/2 minutes and yes I'm dancing around the house at this point. So catchy.

A very consistent album and I like the thunder to open "Marc's Occasional Showers" yes these guys have a sense of humour. Multi-vocal melodies follow before 1 1/2 minutes and then flute replaces vocals. The closer is violin led and catchy as well and then we get that mellow poppy number called "You Always Can Change" with those reserved vocals. A solid 4 stars for this 40 minute album and I look forward to reviewing the followup they did to this that is supposed to be really good as well.