BRAINBOX

Before guitarist Jan Akkerman and drummer Pierre Van Der Linden joined FOCUS they were part of this blues band called BRAINBOX. Both would leave after this record and BRAINBOX would release another album in 1972 before packing it in until that comeback album in the 10's. The attraction for most people to picking up this album is that FOCUS connection of course and really the only redeeming thing about this record is listening to these two play.

This was released in 1969 and we get seven tracks four of which are covers. The three originals are disappointing although the opener "Dark Rose" is an energetic piece that has it's moments. But the short and bluesy 2 1/2 minute "Sinner's Prayer" and the epic(not) 17 minute closer "Sea Of Delight" falls flat. I was so looking forward to "Sea Of Delight" but it lays an egg big time. Extra large. So much of this is sparse to a fault and while that changes late I'm not into drum solos or the way the vocals arrive so awkwardly.

If your into covers you might like some of this but man Jan and Pierre did a wise thing when they jumped ship.