CAVERNS OF YOUR BRAIN

I was quite interested to know this obscure prog band from the 70´s. I simply had never heard of them. Their sole LP was recorded in 1974, but only release (illegally, I think) in 1980. In 1990 their work was put on the market as an official CD. They are also from USA, another feature from a symphonic band at the time. So, in the end, was it worth it?

The first track is not very promising: it is really a Yes rip off or, more precisely, a Yours Is No Disgrace rif off. Everything here was takes from Yes: the fat Rickenbaker bass lines, organ fills and guitar riffing. Even the vocalist sounds like one of the many Jon Anderson´s imitators. Fortunalty things get a lot better with the second track, Caverns. Yes is still the main influence but they show some personality at last. This is even more so on the third song, Buttercup Blues, also the shortest one on the CD. The Yes syndrome returns with the closing tune Tripping Over The Rainbow. Still, they managed to make this song to be quite strong and convincing with its many moods and shifting sounds. Nothing original, but still very well written, arranged and performed. From the second track on I liked them all, specially the fine guitar solos and the wonderful keyboards waves. Really good!

In all I found this CD to be quite pleasant and attractive. With all its faults it is obvious that the band had potential to become very big. It is only a shame they never had the chance to grow past their influences. Certainly they were a alented and skillful bunch. If you like classic 70´s prog (Yes, ELP, Kansas, etc) and can live with the lack of originality, this CD is recommended.