SEASONS

One of the pioneers of the early 70's German progressive rock scene.They were formed in mid- 60's in Erlangen under the name Bentox and offering a beat sound.In 1969 they were renamed to Chromosom,this time they added elements from the West Coast sound in their style.By 1970 Bernd Leistner leads the band as a vocalist and the band dramatically changed its sound,now under the name Wind.Their debut ''Seasons'' was released in 1971 on the obscure low budget label +Plus+,which managed to release only three albums before closing.

''Seasons'' is a nice example of Heavy and Prog Rock mix,typical of early 70's.''What Do We Do Now'' is an alternating cut between VANILLA FUDGE Heavy Rock and smooth organ/acoustic guitar/flute passages with aggresive vocals.''Now It's Over'' is characterized by its psych organ- driven softness,while the short ''Romance'' shows evident influences from the romantic period under organ and piano sounds.''Springwind'' is a magnificent piece of heavy organ-driven prog with massive multi-vocals and slight classical influences.The flipside opens with ''Dear Little Friend'',which is strongly influenced by DEEP PURPLE filled with organ,complex guitar work and aggresive vocals,another strong track.I would expect more from the epic of the album ''Red Morningbird'',slow psychedelic start with Teutonic vocals and harmonica before the short guitar/organ Hard Rock explosion,then the mellow harmonica/organ style will return till the nice complicated end with the hard rockin' guitar riffing and the haunting vocals.

''Seasons'' is placed exactly on the line between the Hard Rock sound of the early 70's and the upcoming snowball of the Progresive Rock movement.The album and the band deserve some wider recognition for their daring sound and high levels of energy throughout the listening.Strongly recommended to fans of the new-born progressive sound around 1970...3.5 stars.