Very vintage proposal from Northampton, England.

#buzz

Axe - Music (Kissing Spell Records, 2002)

There are fragmented and conflicting reports about this band from Northampton, England. The name is supposed to be Axe, but they were also known as Crystalline or Axe Music. The group consisted of the very talented vocalist Vivienne Jones (also known as "Countess Vivienne"), Anthony Barford and R. Hillard on guitars, M. Nobbs on bass, and S. Gordon on drums and percussion. Their only release also has an uncertain title but is most commonly credited simply as "Music," dating back to 1969. Initially, it comprised only five tracks, but a reissue from Kissing Spell Records has recovered additional material and released the album in 2002 in a version including eight tracks and a live recording. The band’s sound is typically psychedelic rock, but contrary to what one might think, it evokes more the experiences typical of the West Coast than those commonly associated with Britain, at least not without some nuances. At times, one might even think of the Doors, although the sound of Axe is much more focused on guitar usage, which features sudden accelerations that unleash their full acidic and rock-blues vigor. There are evident references to the prevailing hippie culture of the time (for example, listen to "Peace Of Mind"), and the album also includes a cover of Arthur Lee's Love ("A House Is Not A Motel"). Keep an eye on the long three-act session of "The Child Dreams" and the live version of "Here To There." Partly due to the less-than-ideal quality of the recordings and partly due to the band's inclinations, the sound of the guitars is particularly raw, almost garage-like, which combined with Vivienne’s incredible and angelic voice results in a very, very unique combination.

#northampton #vintage #viviennejones

Axe - The Child Dreams (1969)