PRUDENCE

From Namsos, Norway, hailed this interesting Folk Rock band, named after The Beatles song "Dear Prudence", formed in 1969 (actually they were renamed from Whoopee Choop) and featuring two future stars of Norwegian music, guitarist Åge Aleksandersen and multi- instrumentalist Terje Tysland.They were supported by bassist Kjell Ove Riseth, drummer Kaare Skavik Jr., mandolin/guitar player Johan Tangen and singer/multi-instrumentalist Per Erik Wallum.They recorded their debut ''Tomorrow May Be Vanished'' at Rosenborg Studios in August 1972 and the album was released the same year on Polydor.

With the choice of singing in English Prudence actually brought to surface all of their influences, which had been BOB DYLAN, THE BEATLES, JETHRO TULL with also some touches of STRAWBS.The album is filled with short and fiery Folk rockers with strong guitar moves by Aleksandersen, a powerful rhythm section but also a fair amount of traditional instruments in heavy use.Lots of driving flutes in the style of IAN ANDERSON performed by singer Per Erik Wallum, rural soundscapes produced by the harmonica of the same man and also some great mandolin passages by Johan Tangen, who even battles with the flutes and electric guitars in a frenetic mood.There are also a couple of tracks closer to Psychedelic Folk with a more smooth but not less intense sound.The approach is overall nice and rich with a very JETHRO TULL-like atmosphere and the mix of the hard rockin' guitars with the solos provided by the traditional instrumentation sounds very attractive.

Decent and well-executed Folk Rock with a great balance between the folk elements and the rockin' riffs.Warmly recommended.