Record Reviews

DRUID ~ TOWARD THE SUN / FLUID DRUID BGO 285 (Barcode: 5017261202857) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 1995 1st and 2nd albums by British Prog band DruidFind albums by this artist, a short-lived but excellent quartet, which included vocalist / guitarist Dane StevensFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Andrew McCrorie-ShandFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil BrewerFind albums by this artist and drummer Cedric SharpleyFind albums by this artist. The played classic Symphonic Prog, mostly composed by the guitarist and the bassist, which included lengthy instrumental passages and well structured songs, with Stevens´ falsetto vocals perfectly suiting the gig, a close similarity to Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist´s work with early YesFind albums by this artist, less the theatrics. The band and both these albums are as good as anything produced by all the other UK Prog bands, but unfortunately they simply missed the train with Punk exploding just at the time when they were starting their career, with British Prog being decimated in the process. The band folded shortly after recording the second and last album, and their recorded legacy remained mostly forgotten, to be re-discovered a couple decades later by the new generation of Prog fans. In retrospect these two albums are superb examples of the first classic wave of British Prog and remain a most satisfying listening experience, surely deserving wider recognition. Sometimes I wonder if the fact that bands like Yes, who decided to schlep on against all odds, was a wise move musically. Here is an example of a band which knew when to quit, leaving behind them a spotless legacy. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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