REAFFIRMATION - AN ANTHOLOGY 1971-1973

At the time I'm writing these lines, this compilation is the first record I discover from the band. It's a mixed bag, to say the least. I was very sceptical at first listening cause hardly half of this compilation is worth. But what an half! This English band shows varied influences without sounding as a copycat. The influences range from the USA west coast: "Running down deep" is an excellent tune reminiscent of QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE, "Old man", as the title suggests, reminds of NEIL YOUNG's HARVEST period and also a tad of FAITPORT CONVENTION UNHALFBRICKING for the delicate guitar parts, a delight! "Street songs", another solid number, may remind of the ALLMAN BROTHERS. "Brown lady" is a nice acoustic piece in the CROSBY STILLS & NASH vein.

"The all electric fur trapper" begins as a heavy psyche-rock until a floaty, spacey "hawaian Gilmourian" guitar part show the influence of PINK FLOYD's MEDDLE.

"Reaffirmation", a long tune, has some similarities with CARAVAN IN THE LAND period. There's not much to save from the second disc of this compilation, only "It has to be" hold its own, another spacey piece somewhat reminiscent of PINK FLOYD. The rest of the compilation is made of dubious tunes, some are awful, far from progressive musical territories. Indeed, the band was hesitating between several musical directions, including "pub rock" (!).

This CD release sounds good and well balanced. Only 3.5 stars for the whole, but it's a easy 4 stars if you only keep the good ones.