FULL CIRCLE

"Full Circle" is the second full-length studio album by UK acid/psychedelic folk rock act Forest. The album was release through Harvest Records in December 1970. It follows-up the release of the band´s enonymously titled debut full-length studio album from October 1969.

The influences from artist like The Incredible String Band and Fairport Convention are still present on "Full Circle", but it´s overall a slightly more original sounding release compared to the debut album. Forest use instruments like mandolin, whistle, harmonica, violin, cello, piano, harmonium, electric harpsichord and percussion in addition to the more regular rock band instruments of guitar and bass (although predominantly acoustic). There are no drums on the album.

"Full Circle" is an album featuring folky songs with an uplifting mood but also (and maybe more predominantly) features more sombre tracks like "Bluebell Dance" and "To Julie". So there´s a good balance on the album in terms of exploring different atmospheres. The band are well playing and the vocals are well performed too. "Full Circle" is a well produced album featuring an organic and detailed sound production, which suits the materal well.

So upon conclusion it´s a good quality sophomore release from Forest and a definite step up in quality from the debut album. It may not be as essential a listen as the best material from artists like The Incredible String Band or Comus (who Forest resemble a bit at their darkest), but less will do, and "Full Circle" is an album worth investigating for fans of the genre. A 3 - .5 star (65%) rating is warranted.