CONCERTO GROSSO PER I NEW TROLLS

The first track actually works well with its Vivaldian violin solo being effectively contrasted with the rock ensemble with prominent flute (flute seemed to be ubiquitous in prog those days). Next comes a few rather dated sounding tracks which reminds one of Bach and Vivaldi filtered through Ennio Morricone on a bad day or one of his many inferior imitators. Adagio (shadows) has this horrible early 70s sentimental film music with a verse consisting of whispered singing of lines (In English) derived from Hamlet's soliloquy with an overblown guitar tune, later taken up with gooey strings, for the chorus. This is followed by the two remaining tracks of concerto grosso, neither memorable, not even a hommage to Jimi Hendrix, in which the gooey tune is reprised.

What almost saves this album is actually the original side two 20 min improvisation which consists of energetic ensemble playing replete with Ian Gillan-like shrieks from the vocalist. This is engaging for the first 8 minutes but then goes into a more conventional section with a long and uninteresting organ solo. The berserk guitar at about 12 minutes in almost brings back the opening excitement but soon dissolves into a dull drum solo. I have nothing against drum solos in live performances but frankly I've never heard one on record which can withstand repeated listening. Since this drum solo lasts most of the remaining 8 minutes on the album, it can be said the album goes out on a whimper.