ACT ONE

3.5 stars really!!! This debut album is a better example of what is called proto-prog but its main flaw is also to be one of the earliest examples of derivative albums of better known groups. When putting an ear on this vintl , on e cannot help to think of two groups : The Nice and Deep Purple Mk I. This is not to say that the organ dominates that much the music but there are many moments where the Jon Lord/Keith Emerson influences are over-bearing and the guitarist is much in Line with Ritchie Blackmore and David O'list's great contributions on The Nice's Toughts album. Also the drumming is a little too derivative of Purple's Ian Paice's very original style.

Side I is more reminiscent of Mk I Purple's more prog moments and it is quite an enjoyment to get all of those greats solos and superb interplays. Side 2 is made up of two 11 min+ tracks which delve more into The Nice's early stuff. Beggar's Opera even make a reference to Blue Rondo A La Turque in the first track while the second track is IMO the highlight of the album. The Repertoire re-issue comes with two bonus tracks and they appear to come from a non-Lp single : Sarabande (3:32) and Think (4:25) are two great tracks that really add value to this promising debut.

However enjoyable this album may be , I cannot award more stars because of its tooo evident influences. Still worth a spin and Progheads are advised to check out the second album, which shows that those guys matured quickly and well.