Music:
Member Since: 20/09/2006
Influences: The Moody Blues, King Crimson
Sounds Like: Spring has a legendary status among keyboard wonks; while many bands bubbled up from the creative ferment of the English progressive scene in 1970, only Spring was cheeky enough to employ three mellotronists in its lineup. To anyone familiar with the exasperating unreliability of the Mellotron, particularly when on the road, it's staggering that this band managed to record and tour for two years without either murdering each other or their instruments.
The band formed in Leicester in 1970, and their unusual lineup was soon noticed by others. After touring the UK as an opening act for the Velvet Underground, in 1971 the band released its first and only eponymous release. Featuring a combination of massed Mellotrons, melodic guitar and smoky vocals, it's comparable in some ways to the Moody Blues or the more pastoral moments of King Crimson. The album's dramatic trifold cover of a fallen redcoat trailing blood into a stream quickly made it a favorite among vinyl collectors.
A minor classic of progressive rock, this album ranks with Gracious's second album and King Crimson's debut as an exemplar of the use of the Mellotron. Although mellotrons and the organ (along with some charmingly plonkety piano)provide the foundation of the band's sound, the drums and guitar lay down rocky grooves that keep the washes of keyboards from swamping the whole affair. The lyrics are contemplative, a quality emphasized by Moran's smoky and often wistful vocal style, particularly on the mournful piano piece "Song to Absent Friends." "Shipwrecked Soldier" has wonderfully martial rhythms applied to the Mellotron and drums, and the soaring "Golden Fleece" really lets the multiple keyboards shine. The production is airy and live sounding, with the result that this album has aged surprisingly well. The three extra tracks on the CD rerelease, culled from the unreleased second album and featuring a greater emphasis on overdriven guitar tones, are a nice addition to what was already a fine album.
Although a second album was nearly completed, the band split apart before it could be released. The band members drifted into careers in production and session work; guitarist Ray Martinez went on to play in Airwaves; drummer Pique Withers, after a slight change of name to the more suitably twangy Pick Withers, surfaced as a member of the newly formed Dire Straits in 1978.
~ Paul Collins, All Music Guide
Record Label: Unsigned