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Rating:
The immense cauldron of English prog in the golden years, the early seventies, did not only see the birth of stars like Genesis, Yes, and ElP. That glorious period witnessed many groups and artists, who, united under the label of "symphonic rock," often produced quite different sounds and diverse inspirations. This is the case of Curved Air, a talented group that appeared like a "nova" in the musical sky only to fade into anonymity.
The album I present is the band's second work, dated 1971; at the time, it had moderate success, but the group is mainly known for their debut "Air Conditioning," which, however, seems inferior to its successor. The sound of Curved Air is far from the baroque style of Genesis, the chaotic sounds of ElP, or the spacey vibes of Yes, everything is based on Darryl Way's violin, which, together with keyboardist Francis Monkman, creates textures with acidic tones, like "Bright Summer's Day '68" or more typically prog like the opening of "Young Mother," with its long instrumental tail.
To tie everything together, there's the beautiful voice of the singer, Sonja Kristina. With a timbre closer to Nico's than to the airy sounds of her colleague Annie Haslam, it is she who, with her interpretation, renders "Puppets," "Jumbo," and the masterpiece of the album, "Piece Of Mind," a long piece characterized by a progression of drums and piano, where Kristina's voice and Way's electric violin build a fascinating and engaging melody that perfectly highlights the singer's hypnotic personality.
An album that has aged very well, substantial, and performed impeccably; recommended for those who want to explore more of a side of English music while staying a bit away from the usual names.
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
06 Everdance (03:08)
(Monkman)
One day walking down the dusty street
Two friends travel us with weary feet
But they'll let you sleep the rood a while
Time now and drink and dance away the miles
See what will come on to tell the stars
Come with me and love let you string together
Stay with me I feel like to dance forever
Fret her do not tarry come away
This house curse a disc browse to stay
Things are not what they appear to be
If now you desire it look and see
Fortune ruins those who turn the key
Come with me and let's gain' away together
Stay with me or go to a devil
and dance forever
Ten years now across the playful day
One friend lonesomes winter's free'd away
One friend wants to ask fortunes hunt to set
Try bones legs till he dances yet
Pounding feet from which no blood has left
Come with me and let's us goin'
away together
Stay with me or go to a devil
and dance forever
ha11oga11o
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