The Incredible String Band
Earthspan & No Ruinous Feud

THE REVIEW

What could be better than a package with a compact disc containing an album from a band? Simple, two CDs with two albums! Indeed, the fine box covered by a laminated cardboard depicting the covers of the two albums contains exactly the two discs "Earthspan" from '72 and "No Ruinous Feud" from '73 (2004 BGO Records).

Personally, after numerous listens, I definitely preferred the second disc, perhaps because it is more eclectic and centered on a brighter and more incisive Folk-Rock sound compared to the first, which seemed a bit too 'light' to me, especially in the vocal parts. In any case, the two discs are valid products, recommended, however (in my opinion) to a very specific audience of listeners of these musical genres.

The music is essentially Folk, although you can find derivations from various musical traditions. The lineup consists of Mike Heron (guitar, church organ, vocals), Robin Williamson (guitar, fiddle, vocals), Malcolm Le Maistre (assorted instruments, as well as dancer and mime), Stan Lee (bass), Jack Ingram (drums), Christina "Licorice" McKechnie (violin, percussion, vocals) and the enigmatic presence of (in the booklet notes he's marked with this term) Gerard Dott (flute, keyboards). In this case, given the notable number of tracks, first disc (10 tracks, 41.27 min), second disc (12 tracks, 39.16 min), I will avoid the much-criticized track by track, although it seems fair to mention the songs that excited me the most. In the first disc, the ballads "Antoine" and "Restless Night" stand out, the first with beautiful vocal sections, while the second for its interesting instrumental inserts. The long "Sunday Song" is decisive yet moving, "Banks of Sweet Italy" and "The Actor" are touching and melancholic. "Seagull" is evocative and with very well-crafted instrumental sections. This was also the last album where McKechnie played an important musical and artistic role in the band, while at the same time, La Maistre's figure as an influential voice within the group emerged. In the second disc, however, the instrumentals "Jigs" and "Second Fiddle" stand out, the first for the 'lively' violin and the second for the almost reggae sound. "Old Buccaneer" is a beautiful Folk-Rock track, immediately 'assimilable' audiotravely. Also splendid is the little masterpiece "Torquoise Blue," a sort of sophisticated Pop-Jazz, and the cheerful "Weather the Storm".

The band will dissolve before the end of 1974, and from its 'ashes,' Mike Heron's Reputation will be born; subsequently, Heron will steer his interests towards Scientology to the detriment of music. Excellent booklet containing detailed notes on the records and musicians, also (incredibly but true!) the lyrics of the songs appear. As for the album covers... no comment. In conclusion, it is a valid music that presents musicians skilled at offering a certain kind of Folk, more focused on the sincerity of emotions than on instrumental expertise.