TALES FROM THE BLUE COCOONS

Second and sorry to say last album by the NEUTRONS, "Tales From The Blue Cocoons" took the progressive tendencies of the first album and rolled in a slightly more pop 70's feel to it. In many ways these guys remind me of art rock bands likes of PLANET P, 10CC and CITY BOY. The NEUTRONS were the genius of Phil Ryan (Organs, synths) and Will Youatt (bass, guitars) who were both part at times of the Welsh progressive giants MAN. In contrast to their debut album, "Tales.." takes on a slightly more accessible sound and a different feel with the insertion of female vocals of Caromay Dixon on several tracks. Even with Stuart Gordon and John Weathers gone in the line-up this album still carries some pretty cool GENTLE GIANT mannerisms. The album boasts some fantastic keyboard and guitar work all surrounded by some pretty clever song writing and vocalizations.

NEUTRONS were founded by keyboardist Phil Ryan and guitarist Michael "Will" Youatt, both having played on a couple of MAN albums, joined by Gentle Giant's drummer John Weathers, Incredible String Band's violinist Stuart Gordon -- who also brought his young girlfriend Caromay Dixon as an additional vocalist -- , and a couple of other chaps. The group made only two albums in their short existence in the mid-70's before Phil Ryan returned to Man and Will Youatt founded one-timer Alkatraz. Neutrons' debut Black Hole Star (1974) is very good but its follower Tales from the Blue Cocoons is slightly less inspired and less progressive. Stuart Gordon with his violin is absent on this album, and also Weathers was replaced by average drummers. Nevertheless, this is a fairly enjoyable album for a listener of the 70's psych/folk/jazz flavoured classic rock.

Ryan's work on synthesizers, piano and organ is definitely the star of the show. The opener 'No More Straight' is basically rather MAN-like, jam-oriented piece with sparse vocals, but synths are deliciously lively and comparable to MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND. 'Northern Midnight' is a nice, relaxed song with folky nuances and strong contributions from both keyboards and electric guitar. Somehow the song's atmosphere reminds me of Peter Hammill's 'Candle' in his 1971 Fools Mate album. 'Come into My Cave' remains a bit boring.

Caromay Dixon's innocently charming, folky voice has only appeared on background this far, but she sings the brief acoustic number 'Live Your Lie' and 'L'Hippie Nationale' which is musically quite dynamic and has a faint [non- symphonic] early YES vibe. 'Take You Further' has a nice jazz groove, much jazzier than STEELY DAN, as the electric piano may even bring Chick Corea to one's mind. In between vocal parts, backed up beautifully by Caromay, there are cool instrumental passages. The instrumental piece 'Welsh R. Blunt' is also very jazzy and has a Canterbury-like playful feeling. The ending song 'Jam Eaters' features Caromay again on lead vocals.

I hadn't been listening to Neutron for years. Even though I still prefer Black Hole Star, this second and last album is actually whole lot more delightful than I remembered it to be. Unfortunately it's a bit short at 35 minutes. 3½ stars rounded up.

Especially the CD containing both Neutrons albums is warmly recommended if you like the mentioned bands.