RING OF HANDS

When compared to other keyboard-based albums of the time, this uneven affair suffers. Half the tracks are forgettable, the band chemistry could've been better, as could the mix and drum sound... and what's with that hideous cover? That said, there are some winning moments here among the muddled party- rock quality. The title cut is a perfectly good pop number that I can see getting some airplay 'round about 1972. But 'Sweet Mary' follows, a lugubrious blues with an out-of-tune guitar solo-- and so goes this bumpy ride, as an otherwise talented band throws rusty water on what could have been a really good prog record. 'Cast Your Spell Uranus' has one of the most unintentionally funny lyrics ever written and a John Fogerty delivery that only reminds of the rock'nroll roots most progsters aren't interested in. Finally there is 'Lothlorien', a terrific eight-minute bit of prog with the kind of exciting playing Rod Argent was capable of. 'Chained' is a heavy blues with Zeppelin leanings but none of the fire, and 'Rejoice', the compositional highlight, is a nice blend of Bach with Beatles and some beautiful church organ from Rod. 'Pleasure' is more Paul McCartney moaning with a classical keybord/guitar interlude and some Emersonian moments. Though a lively and inventive album can be seen somewhere among the mess, this one comes up short, and Argent seemed unsettled on whether it wanted to be a integral part of the prog movement or just a mildly successful rock band.