FUCHSIA

Named after the fictional character of Fuchsia Groan from the Titus Groan novel this short-lived British band was found by guitarist/singer Tony Durant in early-70's, while he was a student at Exeter University, along with bassist Michael Day and drummer Michael Gregory.Attracted by the use of string instruments, Durant recruited a three-piece female string section for the first Fuchsia release, Janet Rogers, Madeleine Bland and Vanessa Hall-Smith.The self-titled debut was recorded at the Sound Techniques Studios in Chelsea, London and released in summer 1971 by Pegasus.The same album was released a year later in France by Kingdom label.

Durant was not keen of complex arrangements or trully adventurous concepts, his aim as admitted was to build popular music orientations around string sections in an orchestral mood and the final result is very close to his likings, like THE BEATLES jamming with ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA with a touch of early RENAISSANCE.The overall atmosphere with the major use of simple-tuned acoustic guitars and female choir parts kind of remind of CARMEN on their less Andaluz-influenced side.But Fuchsia's music is also dominated by instrumental string arrangements in a Classical Music path, supported by a smooth rhythm section and the acoustic guitars of Durant along with his decent vocals.The album would have been trully original back in 1971, but I am not sure it has stood well against the sands of time.It sounds quite dated, easy-listening and far from the true aspects of progressive music, although there is a certain charm coming out of all these grandiose string parts dominating the album.The tracks sound very similar to each other with the same elements heard time after time without a wind of change throughout.

The band did a few concerts back in the days but lack of promotion and a promised but never fullfilled tour by their manager led to the demise of Fuchsia, shortly after their debut was released.

For fans of E.L.O., British Folk Rock or Orchestral Psych/Prog, Fuchsia has a decent value among their collection's item.For the rest be warned that this is a quite accesible release, closer to British Psych than the emerging prog movement...2.5 stars.