JUST A POKE

Sweet Smoke

Psychedelic/Space Rock

3.89 | 145 ratings

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friso
Prog Reviewer

Sweet Smoke - Just A Poke (1970)

One just has to wonder; what's behind this artistic, yet provocative artwork?

Sweet Smoke is real child of it's time, playing slightly psychedelic rock tracks with long sections with improvising soloists. Along the way the band embraces some nice flute-playing, soulful lyrics, jazz influenced chord progressions, relaxing atmospheres and long rhythmical sections. The overall atmosphere is that of a serious, yet playful rock-band that explores it's boundaries. The emphasis is on the steady rhythmical section of the band.Though most passages are relaxing or highly rhythmical, Sweet Smoke also treats us on some tasteful heavy rock passages and extended guitars solo's. Some have mentioned that one can hear a hippi-mindset at work here and I have to agree on that only partially, because I think Sweet Smoke also has a intellectual way of composing the parts with lyrics. Besides that, Sweet Smoke has a very professional sound for the year of release; easily out-playing and producing Zeppelin for instance.

'Just a Poke' is short album, running for 32 minutes, but it plays non-stop. Both sides have one long track with in the beginning some composition and song-writing and a long middle/end- section with jamming and rhythmical improvisation. Both tracks 'Silly Sally' & 'Baby Night' are equally rewarding.

Conclusion. If you like the sound of seventies rock and have no problems with some improvisation this is a great record. The music never get's very psychedelic or progressive, but Sweet Smoke really proves to be a very professional and inventive rock act. If the record would have a catchier or more experimental approach I would have given it four stars, but for now I think three and a halve stars is enough.

friso | 3/5 | 2011-4-28

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