FOREST

"Forest" is the self-titled debut full-length studio album by UK folk rock act Forest. The album was released through Harvest Records in 1969. A CD version wasn't available until Beat Goes On Records released "Forest" and the band's second full-length studio album "Full Circle (1970)" on one CD in 1994. Forest formed in 1966 under The Foresters of Walesby monicker but shortened their name to Forest in 1968.

The band are a trio consisting of brothers Martin and Hadrian Welham and Derek Allenby. The three guys play a varity of acoustic instruments like mandolin, pipes, harmonica, harmonium, percussion, piano, 12 string guitar, organ and cello. While their music is often labelleled folk rock, there are no drums on this album. The music is generally pretty conventional acid folk in the less odd/psychadelic end of the scale. The material is of relatively good quality but there is a way to go before they reach the quality of acts like The Incredible String Band or Comus. For that the tracks are simply too unremarkable and also too hard to tell apart.

Fans of the genre might find this a nice addition to their collections, but to those who only want the most seminal acid folk on their shelf, they can safely pass this one by. A 2.5 star (50%) rating is warranted.